On sampling and parametrization of discrete frequency distributions

Abstract

The general relationship between an arbitrary frequency distribution and the expectation value of the frequency distributions of its samples is esablished. A set of combinations of expectation values whose value does not in general depend on the size of the sample is constructed. Distribution functions such that the distribution of the expectation values of their samples is invariant in form are found and studied. The conditions under which the scaling limit of such distributions may exist are described.