What does the term "sample space" refer to in probability?

The term "sample space" in probability refers to the complete set of all possible outcomes of a specific experiment or event. For instance, if you were to roll a six-sided die, the sample space would include all the outcomes that could result from that action: {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}. This encompasses every outcome that could occur, making it a fundamental concept in probability theory, as understanding the sample space is crucial when calculating probabilities of specific events.

While other terms like "specific outcome," "subset of outcomes," and "impossible outcome" are relevant in the context of probability, they represent different aspects. A specific outcome refers to a single result from the sample space, while a subset of outcomes represents a smaller group drawn from the complete sample space. An impossible outcome, on the other hand, indicates an event that cannot happen within the context of the sample space. Understanding these distinctions helps in grasping the broader concept that the sample space encompasses all potential outcomes in any given scenario.