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Sequential analysis
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<p>In <a href="/facts/Statistics/DNPsKGYU">statistics</a>, sequential analysis or sequential hypothesis testing is <a href="/facts/Statistical_analysis/sJLjubxm">statistical analysis</a> where the <a href="/facts/Sample_size/sf8dAFzq">sample size</a> is not fixed in advance. Instead data is evaluated as it is collected, and further sampling is stopped in accordance with a pre-defined <a href="/facts/Stopping_rule/D5R69WXt">stopping rule</a> as soon as significant results are observed. Thus a conclusion may sometimes be reached at a much earlier stage than would be possible with more classical <a href="/facts/Hypothesis_testing/yv9RPF6U">hypothesis testing</a> or <a href="/facts/Estimation/dsztTYcy">estimation</a>, at consequently lower financial and/or human cost. </p>