Solving a Belief Network Problem with Car Starting: A Bayesian Approach

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on solving a Bayesian network problem related to car starting, specifically using the framework established by Heckerman in 1995. The key variables include Battery (B), Fuel (F), Gauge (G), Turnover (T), and Start (S), with specific probability values provided for each variable. The main objective is to calculate P(F = N|S = N), which involves understanding the dependencies between S, F, and T. The Bayesian approach is confirmed as the correct method for solving this problem, despite initial doubts regarding its applicability.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Bayesian networks and conditional probabilities
  • Familiarity with probability notation and expressions
  • Knowledge of the variables involved in the car starting problem (B, F, G, T, S)
  • Ability to derive probabilities from given values
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to construct and interpret Bayesian networks using tools like Netica or GeNIe
  • Study the application of Bayes' theorem in real-world scenarios
  • Explore advanced topics in probability theory, focusing on conditional probabilities
  • Practice solving similar problems involving Bayesian inference and network diagrams
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for data scientists, statisticians, and anyone interested in applying Bayesian methods to real-world problems, particularly in the context of decision-making and predictive modeling.

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I am having problem solving this exercise. The problem actually comes with a diagram but I do not know and I do not think i can draw it in the forum. The exercise is based on car starting(Heckerman 1995)

Since I can't draw the network diagram here but values of probability are given but first let me define all the variables

B - Battery
G - Gauge
F - Fuel
T - Turnover
S - Start
N - No
Y - Yes

P(B = N) = 0.02
p(F = N) = 0.05
P(G = N|B = Y, F = Y) = 0.04
P(G = N|B = Y, F = N) = 0.97
P(G = N|B = N, F = Y) = 0.10
P(G = N|B = N, F = N) = 0.99
P(T = N|B = Y) = 0.03
P(T = N|B = N) = 0.98
P(S = N|T = Y, F = Y) = 0.01
P(S = N|T = Y, F = N) = 0.92
P(S = N|T = N, F = Y) = 1.0
P(S = N|T = N, F = N) = 1.0

It was asked to calculate p(F = N|S = N)

Im thinking of Bayesian but I got stuck somewhere so I think it is the wrong approach since S depend on F and T NOT F alone.

Im thinking of the other approach and came up with an expression

P(F = N|S = N) = P(S = N|F = N)/P(F)
= P(S = N, B, G, T|F = N)/P(F)

But I am not sure how to compute and put the figures together.

Any input/help is appreciated. Thank you
 
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How do you get P(F = N|S = N) = P(S = N|F = N)/P(F) ?

P(F = N|S = N) = P(S = N & F = N)/P(S = N) and P(S = N|F = N) = P(S = N & F = N)/P(F = N) so P(S = N & F = N) = P(F = N|S = N)P(S = N) = P(S = N|F = N)P(F = N).
 
So the Bayesian approach was right. I taught I was wrong at the first place because using Bayesian ended up with the following

P(S = N|F = N) P(F = N)/ P(S = N)

but from the diagram I have and as you can see from the probabilities, S depend on both F and T and in the expression above we want to know the probability of S = N given that F = N (in other words the probability that the engine will not start given that the fuel tank was empty).
 
I am still having trouble solving P(S = N|F = N).

please help...
 
Below, I assume that the notation (A|B,C) means (A|B)|C = A|(B|C), and neither A|(B & C) nor (A|B) & C. (If anyone disagrees, please post your opinion.)

P(S = N|F = N) = P(S = N|T = Y, F = N) P(T = Y) + P(S = N|T = N, F = N) P(T = N) so you should first derive P(T = Y) and P(T = N).

You can derive P(T=N) from:
P(B = N) = 0.02
P(T = N|B = Y) = 0.03
P(T = N|B = N) = 0.98
using a formula similar to the one in the previous paragraph of this post.

Then, P(T=Y) = 1 - P(T=N).
 
Last edited:

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