Method of moments and integration

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the method of moments, specifically estimating the parameter theta in the probability density function fy(y, theta) = theta * y^(theta - 1) for 0 <= y <= 1. The integral E(y) = ∫ from 0 to 1 of y * theta * y^(theta - 1) dy is correctly identified as the expected value, leading to the result theta / (theta + 1). Participants emphasize the necessity of understanding basic integration techniques to solve this problem, asserting that the integration can be performed with high-school level calculus knowledge.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of probability density functions (pdf)
  • Basic knowledge of expected values and means
  • Familiarity with integration techniques, particularly polynomial integration
  • Fundamentals of the method of moments in statistics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of moments in statistical estimation
  • Practice integration of polynomial functions, such as ∫ y^n dy
  • Explore the concept of expected value in probability theory
  • Review calculus techniques relevant to integration of probability functions
USEFUL FOR

Students learning statistics, particularly those studying the method of moments and integration techniques, as well as educators seeking to enhance their teaching of expected values and probability distributions.

semidevil
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i'm learning the method of moments and I'm not understanding on how to do it.

so for example, fy(y, theta) = theta*y^(theta -1). 0<=y<=1.

to find the method of moments estimate for theta.

the book does E(y) = the integeral from 0 to 1 of y * theta*y^(theta-1) dy.

and that becomes theta * y^theta+1/theta + 1

and that becomes theta/ theta + 1...


first question. am I really suppose to integrate y * theta*y^(theta-1) dy?

first of all, the book has never gone to any of the harder integration techniques, and i really have trouble integrating this. how did they do the steps??
 
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semidevil said:
i'm learning the method of moments and I'm not understanding on how to do it.

so for example, fy(y, theta) = theta*y^(theta -1). 0<=y<=1.

to find the method of moments estimate for theta.

the book does E(y) = the integeral from 0 to 1 of y * theta*y^(theta-1) dy.

and that becomes theta * y^theta+1/theta + 1

and that becomes theta/ theta + 1...


first question. am I really suppose to integrate y * theta*y^(theta-1) dy?

first of all, the book has never gone to any of the harder integration techniques, and i really have trouble integrating this. how did they do the steps??

Have you learned expected values or means in your class yet? If not - then your class is being badly taught.

The basic formula for calculating the expected value given some pdf is:

Integral[ y f(y) dy]

given a probability distribution function (pdf) f(y). That is equal to the mean, or first moment, and corresponds to the integral you give above.

Second, the integral that you give can be done by someone who knows one month of high-school calculus.

y* theta * y^{theta-1} can be simplified to theta* y^{theta}. Since theta is fixed, the integration is simple. Can you integrate 2*y^2? How about 3*y^3? Same thing.
 
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