Effective sample size refers to a measure that quantifies the number of independent observations in a sample, often adjusting for correlations among data points or weights applied in sampling. It provides insight into how much information is actually being utilized in statistical analysis, particularly when certain methods may introduce dependence between samples, reducing the reliability of estimates. Understanding effective sample size is crucial for ensuring the robustness of results derived from random number generation and advanced sampling techniques like Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods.
congrats on reading the definition of effective sample size. now let's actually learn it.