singlesample

Singlesample is not a single standardized term, but a compound used in multiple fields to denote a single instance, observation, or recording that serves as the basis for analysis, evaluation, or creation. Because the meaning depends on context, the article below outlines common uses across different domains.

In audio and music technology, a single sample refers to one discrete value of audio amplitude captured at a moment in time. In digital audio, a sample is the smallest unit that, when combined with many others, forms a waveform. A single-shot or one-shot sample is a short recording used as a building block in sample-based instruments; such samples are often triggered by MIDI and can be looped, pitched, or processed to produce a musical sound.

In statistics and data analysis, a single sample typically means a dataset consisting of one observation or a small set of observations drawn from a population. The term is often encountered in discussions of one-sample tests (such as one-sample t-tests) that compare a sample statistic to a known value. Analyses based on a single sample can be sensitive to outliers and generally rely on assumptions about the population distribution.

In quality control and manufacturing, a single-sample plan involves evaluating one sample from a lot to decide whether the entire lot should be accepted or rejected. This approach is contrasted with plans that rely on multiple samples and can influence inspection efficiency and risk levels.

See also one-sample, sampling, and one-shot.