Mixture models

Mixture models are statistical methods used to identify and represent data that comes from multiple distinct groups or sources. Imagine a basket of fruit containing apples, oranges, and bananas. A mixture model helps to determine the proportion of each type of fruit in the basket based on their characteristics, like color or size. In essence, it assumes that the overall data is a combination of different "subpopulations," each with its own unique properties, allowing researchers to analyze complex data patterns effectively.