Example of a non-Gaussian stochastic process?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying a non-Gaussian stochastic process that satisfies specific properties: an average value of zero and a correlation function characterized by an exponential decay. Participants explore the implications of these properties on the moment generating function (MGF) and the uniqueness of probability distributions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a stochastic process with defined average and correlation properties, questioning the existence of a non-Gaussian example that meets these criteria.
  • Another participant argues that if the moment generating function (MGF) is unique, then the distribution must also be unique, implying that no non-Gaussian process can exist under the given conditions.
  • A different participant expresses uncertainty about determining the MGF solely from the provided properties, suggesting that multiple processes could satisfy the conditions while remaining non-Gaussian.
  • Further discussion includes the idea that demonstrating uniqueness for the MGF or related attributes could lead to conclusions about the distribution's form.
  • One participant maintains that the properties mentioned do not fully define the MGF or the probability distribution, reiterating the search for a concrete example of a non-Gaussian process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus; there are competing views regarding the uniqueness of the MGF and the existence of non-Gaussian processes that satisfy the stated properties.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in deriving the MGF or probability distribution from the given properties alone, indicating that additional assumptions or information may be necessary.

Jano L.
Gold Member
Messages
1,330
Reaction score
75
Consider stochastic process ##X(t)## with properties

$$
\langle X(t) \rangle = 0,
$$

$$
\langle X(t) X(t-\tau) \rangle = C_0e^{-|\tau|/\tau_c}.
$$

For example, the position of a Brownian particle in harmonic potential can be described by ##X##. In that case, the probability distribution will be Gaussian, i.e.

$$
\frac{dp}{dX} (X) = Ae^{-\frac{|X^2|}{2\sigma^2}}
$$

with some ##A, \sigma##.

Do you know some example of a stochastic process ##X## with the above two properties (average value and correlation function) which however does not have Gaussian probability distribution?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hey Jano L.

If the solution to this process implies a unique form for the Moment Generating Function then the answer to your question is no since a particular MGF implies a unique form of a distribution.
 
Well, I do not know the MGF for that process. I think I cannot determine it just from those two properties.

I just know those two averages. I think there are different processes than Gaussian with the above properties, so I was wondering whether there is some good example...
 
If you can show some kind of uniqueness for MGF, characteristic function, or any other attribute that unique describes a distribution (or family of distributions) then you can show it is unique.

Can you relate p or its derivative to one of the above attributes?
 
No, I do not think so. I think the properties I know (see OP) do not define the MGF or probability distribution completely. I was just wondering about some concrete example of such process, which would have those two properties from OP but be non-Gaussian.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K