Conditional normal distribution

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the conditional normal distribution, specifically focusing on deriving the conditional distribution of a subset of variables in a multivariate normal distribution based on the signs of other variables. The scope includes theoretical aspects of statistics and probability distributions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks help in deriving the conditional distribution p(x_az|x_bz<0) for a multivariate normal distribution, where x_bz represents variables known to be below zero and x_az represents those above zero.
  • Another participant clarifies the initial query by confirming the understanding that some components of the vector have positive realizations while others have negative realizations.
  • The original poster emphasizes the need to condition the distribution on an interval rather than a single value, indicating that p(x_az|x_bz<0) is not equivalent to p(x_az|x_bz=0).
  • A later reply suggests considering the application of Bayes' rule as a potential approach to the problem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the nature of the problem but have not reached a consensus on the method to derive the conditional distribution. Multiple approaches and interpretations are being explored.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not provide specific mathematical derivations or assumptions that may affect the interpretation of the conditional distribution. The complexity of conditioning on an interval rather than a single value is noted but remains unresolved.

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Hi all

First of all, I am new here but I am not new to statistics. But I need your help:smile:

I do have a multivariate normal distribution: x~p(mu,sig)

the vector x has to groups of variables, those that I know are below zero (x_bz), and those that I know are above zero (x_az).
I am interested in the conditional distribution of the x above zero: p(x_az|x_bz<0). Can someone help me derive this distribution or is this a known distribution I was to stupid to find?

thanks for all input, J
 
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the vector x has to groups of variables, those that I know are below zero (x_bz), and those that I know are above zero (x_az).
You mean, some of the vector components have positive realizations while some other components have negative realizations, is that correct?
 
yes, I do know the signs and would like to know how the positive vector components are distributed conditional on the information that the others are below zero (but I do not know what value they hold - only the signs).

so what I want is to condition the multivariate normal distribution on an intervall - and not as usually on a single value or vector:

p(x_az|x_bz<0) <> p(x_az|x_bz=0).

and then truncate the resulting distribution above zero (which should be the easier part, I think/hope)

thank for any idea
 
Last edited:
Have you thought of applying the Bayes rule?
 

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