Introduction to statistical models and non-extensive statistics

Abstract

Quark matter is being expected to be found in heavy ion collisions on the basis of calculations in the framework of traditional, extensive thermodynamics. Recently a non-extensive generalization of the thermodynamics is emerging in the theoretical research. We review here some basic concepts in statistics, kinetic theory and thermodynamics, in particular those encountered in non-extensive thermodynamics. This offers an introduction into the theoretical basis of considering non-extensive parton kinetics for describing the hadronization of quark matter.