Optimizing Estimator Variance with Cramer-Rao Inequality

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on optimizing the variance of an unbiased estimator using the Cramer-Rao Inequality. It establishes that the variance of the estimator Var(ωX̄1 + (1-ω)X̄2 is minimized when ω equals n1 / (n1 + n2). Participants emphasize the importance of calculating the variance of independent random samples and applying first and second derivatives for minimization. A specific hint is provided to derive Var(X̄1) = σ²/n1 by leveraging properties of independent and identically distributed random variables.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Cramer-Rao Inequality
  • Knowledge of variance calculations for independent random variables
  • Familiarity with first and second derivative techniques for optimization
  • Concept of independent and identically distributed random variables (i.i.d.)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Cramer-Rao Inequality in statistical estimation
  • Learn about variance properties of independent random variables
  • Explore optimization techniques using first and second derivatives
  • Investigate applications of unbiased estimators in statistical inference
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Statisticians, data analysts, and students in advanced statistics courses focusing on estimation theory and variance optimization.

EnzoF61
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If [tex]\overline{_}X1[/tex] and [tex]\overline{_}X2[/tex] are the means of independent random samples of size n1 and n2 from a normal population with the mean [tex]\mu[/tex] and [tex]\sigma^2[/tex], show that the variance of the unbiased estimator Var([tex]\omega[/tex][tex]\overline{_}X1[/tex] +(1-[tex]\omega[/tex])[tex]\overline{_}X2[/tex]) is a minimum when [tex]\omega[/tex]= n1 / (n1 + n2).

My professor gave a hint to find the Var([tex]\omega[/tex][tex]\overline{_}X1[/tex] +(1-[tex]\omega[/tex])[tex]\overline{_}X2[/tex]) and then to minimize with respect to [tex]\omega[/tex] using first and second derivatives.

I understand to square out the coefficients due to independence but I'm not sure where to begin to find the variances of the means of independent random samples. I feel I should have an understanding to minimize with the Cramer-Rao Inequality. Maybe I'm trying to look too deep into what is being asked?
 
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Can you show that [tex]\mbox{Var}(\overline{X_1}) = \frac{\sigma^2}{n_1}[/tex]? Hint: write [tex]\overline{X_1}[/tex] as a sum of independent and identically distributed RVs and use [tex]\mbox{Var}(\sum Y_i) = \sum \mbox{Var}(Y_1)[/tex] as well as pulling out a constant becomes multiplying by the square of the constant.
 

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