Probability Ray Graduates from University with Scholarship

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the probability that Ray received a scholarship given that he graduated from university. It involves concepts from probability theory, particularly focusing on conditional probabilities and the potential application of Bayesian reasoning.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the initial problem and outlines the probabilities related to Ray receiving a scholarship and graduating.
  • Another participant suggests that the problem may involve Bayesian probability, prompting a question about how to apply this approach.
  • A later reply corrects the previous assumption, stating that the problem does not require Bayesian analysis.
  • Further calculations are provided, showing how to find the overall probability of graduation and suggesting that this can be done without Bayesian methods.
  • One participant calculates the probability of graduation as 0.41 or 41%, but it is unclear how this relates to the original question about the scholarship.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on whether Bayesian probability is necessary for solving the problem. Some participants believe it is relevant, while others argue it is not. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to take.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the application of Bayesian probability and the steps needed to find the desired probability. There are also unresolved aspects regarding the interpretation of the calculations presented.

eMac
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Question: "With reference to exercise 1, suppose that years later we hear that ray graduated form the give university. what is the probability that he did get the scholarship."

Exercise 1: "Ray has enrolled as a freshman at an Eastern university and the probability that he will get a scholarship is 0.35. if he gets a scholarship the probability that he will graduate is 0.82, and if he does not get a scholarship the probability that he will graduate is only 0.44. what is the probability that he will graduate"

So what I have worked out so far is:

He does get scholarship is 0.35, with scholarship he graduates is 0.82, with scholarship and doesn't graduate is 0.18.

He doesn't get scholarship is 0.65, without scholarship and graduates is 0.44, without scholarship and doesn't graduate is 0.56.

Im not sure as to what I should do from this point to find out the probability that he did get the scholarship.
 
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This seems more like Bayesian probability than "standard" probability. Are you considering this approach?
 
How would I use Bayesian probability?
 
My apologies, eMac, I misread the question; this is not a Bayesian prob. question. I got to go now, but I'll come back tomorrow (more precisely, later today.)
 
Obviously this is a job for big time night owls.

S = Ray gets scholarship
G = Ray graduates

Given:
P(S) = 0.35
P(G | S) = .82
P(G | not S) = .44

Find P(G)
As Bacle said, that can be done without a Bayesian analysis

Your first question:
Find P(S | G)

This can be done by a Bayesian analysis
P(S | G) = P( S and G)/ P(G) = P(G and S)/ P(G) = ( P(G | S) P(S) )/ P(G)
 
P(S)= 0.35
P(notS)=0.65

P(S and G)= 0.82
P(S and notG)=0.18

P(notS and G)= 0.44
P(notS and notG)=0.56

P(He will Graduate) = (0.35 * 0.82) + (0.65 * 0.44) = 0.41 OR 41%

Hope it helps!
 

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