For which joint distributions is a conditional expectation an additive

In summary, the conditional expectation E[X|Y=y,Z=z] for a random vector (X,Y,Z) that is jointly normally distributed is an additive function of y and z. This property is also present in the class of elliptical distributions, as shown in "Multivariate Statistical Theory" by Robb Muirhead. Specifically, if X is a vector with two components, X1 and X2, and mu is a vector with two components, mu1 and mu2, and V is a 2x2 matrix, then the conditional expectation of X1 given X2 is mu1 + V12*V22^-1*(X2-mu2). This is similar to the relationship seen in multivariate normal distributions.
  • #1
estebanox
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I know that, for a random vector (X,Y,Z) jointly normally distributed, the conditional expectation E[X|Y=y,Z=z] is an additive function of y and z

For what other distributions is this true?
 
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  • #2
The class of elliptical distributions (see ``Multivariate Statistical Theory'' by Robb Muirhead for an introductory discussion) has the property I believe you want. Specifically, if
[tex]
\mathbf{X} = \begin{bmatrix} \mathbf{X_1} \\ \mathbf{X_2} \end{bmatrix},%
\mathbf{\mu} = \begin{pmatrix} \mathbf{\mu_1} \\ \mathbf{\mu_2} \end{pmatrix},%
V = \begin{bmatrix} V_{11} & V_{12} \\ V_{21} & V_{22} \end{bmatrix}
[/tex]

then

[tex]
E[\mathbf{X_1} \mid \mathbf{X_2}] = \mathbf{\mu_1} + V_{12} V_{22}^{-1} \left(%
\mathbf{X_2} - \mathbf{\mu_2}\right)
[/tex]

- the same type of relationship demonstrated by multivariate normal distributions.
 
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  • #3
Yes. That's exactly what I need. Thanks a lot!
 

1. What is a conditional expectation?

A conditional expectation is a mathematical concept that represents the expected value of a random variable given another random variable. It is a way of predicting the outcome of a random variable given certain conditions or information.

2. What does it mean for a conditional expectation to be additive?

An additive conditional expectation means that the expected value of the sum of two random variables given another random variable is equal to the sum of their individual conditional expectations. In other words, the conditional expectation function satisfies the property of linearity.

3. What is the significance of having an additive conditional expectation?

Having an additive conditional expectation is significant because it allows for easier calculations and simplification of complex probability problems. It also allows for the application of important theorems, such as the Law of Iterated Expectations and the Tower Property.

4. Are there any restrictions on the joint distributions for which a conditional expectation is additive?

Yes, there are restrictions on the joint distributions. The joint distributions must be continuous and the conditional expectation must exist for all values of the random variables. Additionally, the conditional expectation must satisfy the property of linearity for all values of the random variables.

5. Can you give an example of a joint distribution for which the conditional expectation is not additive?

Yes, consider a joint distribution where X and Y are independent random variables with exponential distributions. In this case, the conditional expectation of X given Y is not additive, as the expected value of the sum of X and Y is not equal to the sum of their individual conditional expectations.

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