Statistical models and likelihood functions

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation of notation in statistical models, specifically focusing on the likelihood function and realization functions related to random vectors and variables.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are exploring the meaning of the notation f_X(x|θ), questioning whether it represents a realization function or a probability density function. They are also discussing the nature of statistical models in relation to random vectors and the implications of parameterization.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights regarding the interpretation of f_X(x|θ) as a probability density function, while others are questioning the definitions and implications of realization functions and joint distributions. Multiple interpretations are being explored without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the definitions and roles of realization functions versus probability functions in the context of statistical models, indicating potential gaps in understanding the underlying concepts.

Cinitiator
Messages
66
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


I have a couple of notation interpretation questions:
1) What does f_X(x|θ) represent in this case? The realization function of of our random vector X for some value x and a parameter θ (so that if our random vector has n random variables, its realization vector will be a subset of R^n)? Or is something else represented here?

2) If our (non-parametrized) statistical model is based on some random vector X with n random variables, will it contain realization functions of the random vector, or rather the random variable functions which the said vector contains?

3) In case of parametrized models: Is the statistical model set (let's name it P) a set of functions under every parameter space possible? And what do these functions represent? Are they assumed to have a fixed input? Are they realizations of a random vector under every single parameter in the parameter space? Or are they random variable functions which belong to our random vector?

Homework Equations


gdmgb.png



The Attempt at a Solution


Trying to interpret it in different ways, but not knowing which interpretation is the correct one.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Cinitiator said:
1) What does f_X(x|θ) represent in this case?
It is the probability (density?) function for the r.v. X given the observations θ.
I don't know what you mean by a realization function.
 
haruspex said:
It is the probability (density?) function for the r.v. X given the observations θ.
I don't know what you mean by a realization function.

I know that. I don't know in what precise way this function is 'generated'. That is - do we take an entire random vector (say, an R^n vector with random variables) and input it, and then output a R^n vector in the measure space (probabilities for each R^...)? That's what I call a realization function, since it outputs the realization of this random vector.

Or is the said function generated in an entirely different way given our random variable?
 
Cinitiator said:
do we take an entire random vector (say, an R^n vector with random variables) and input it, and then output a R^n vector in the measure space (probabilities for each R^...)?
No, it can't be that. If you look at the definition of the likelihood function you can deduce that the range of f is ℝ, not ℝn. So I would say it's just a joint distribution.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
5K
Replies
0
Views
992
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K