Distributions and processes

[Richard White <RichWhite@orchardavenue.com>]

>>The np chart was used in the Red Bead Experiment as there was close
>>to a binomial process going on (though technically closest to a
>>hypergeometric).

This is something I've never heard explained anywhere... is there a
beginner's guide to identifying the appropriate distribution for a given
process, or is that the kind of thing that you just have to be an
experienced statistician to be able to figure out?

Thanks,
Rich White
Orchard Avenue