What is the Confidence Interval Formula for Maximum Likelihood Estimation?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around deriving the confidence interval formula for maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) in the context of a statistical problem involving parameter estimation. Participants are examining the likelihood function and its derivatives to explore the properties of the estimator.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are analyzing the likelihood function and its logarithm, questioning the correctness of the expressions and derivatives presented. There is an attempt to derive a confidence interval based on the estimator obtained from the likelihood function.

Discussion Status

Some participants are providing corrections and clarifications regarding the formulas used, while others are attempting to apply the derived formulas to specific numerical examples. There is an ongoing exploration of the correct formulation for the confidence interval, with indications of differing interpretations of the necessary steps.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of deriving their own formulas for confidence intervals and are discussing the implications of using standard normal approximations in their calculations. There is mention of specific values and results that lead to questions about the accuracy of the formulas used.

superwolf
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[tex] L(x_1,x_2,...,x_n;\theta)=\Pi _{i=1}^n (\frac{\theta}{2})^x (1-\frac{\theta}{2})^{1-x} = (\frac{\theta}{2})^{\Sigma^n_{i=1}x_i}(1-frac{\theta}{2})^{n-\Sigma^n_{i=1}x_i}[/tex]

Correct so far if [tex]f(x) = (\frac{\theta}{2})^x (1-\frac{\theta}{2})^{1-x}[/tex]?

[tex] lnL(x_1,x_2,...,x_n;\theta) = \Sigma^n_{i=1} x_i ln(\frac{\theta}{2}) + (n-\Sigma_{i=1}x_i) ln(\frac{1}{2 - \theta})[/tex]

[tex] \frac{d lnL}{d \theta}(x_1,x_2,...,x_n;\theta) = Sigma^n_{i=1}x_i \cdot \frac{1}{\theta - }(n-\Sigma^n_{i=1}x_i) \frac{1}{2-\theta}[/tex]
 
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Mostly right, with some typos.

[tex] lnL(x_1,x_2,...,x_n;\theta) = \Sigma^n_{i=1} x_i ln(\frac{\theta}{2}) + (n-\Sigma_{i=1}x_i) ln(\frac{1}{2 - \theta})[/tex]

[tex] \ln L(x_1,x_2,...,x_n;\theta) = \Sigma_{i} x_i \ln(\frac{\theta}{2}) + (n-\Sigma_{i}x_i) \ln(\frac{2 - \theta}{2})[/tex]

[tex] \frac{d lnL}{d \theta}(x_1,x_2,...,x_n;\theta) = Sigma^n_{i=1}x_i \cdot \frac{1}{\theta - }(n-\Sigma^n_{i=1}x_i) \frac{1}{2-\theta}[/tex]

[tex] \frac{d\ln L}{d \theta}(x_1,x_2,...,x_n;\theta) =\frac{\Sigma_{i}x_i}{\theta}\,<br /> -\,\frac{n-\Sigma_{i}x_i}{2-\theta}[/tex]

Now combine into a single fraction, set equal to zero, and solve for theta.
 
I'll try.
 
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It worked! Great stuff, thanks!


[tex] \hat{\theta}=\frac{2}{n}\Sigma^n_{i=1}X_i[/tex]

Now, [tex]E(\hat{\theta}) = \theta[/tex] and [tex]Var(\hat{\theta})=\frac{2 \theta}{n}(1-\frac{\theta}{2})[/tex].

Find a 95% confidence interval for [tex]\theta[/tex] by using that [tex]\frac{\hat{\theta} - \theta}{\sqrt{\frac{2 \hat{\theta}}{n}(1-\frac{\hat{\theta}}{2})}}[/tex]

Can I use this formula?

244qs9g.jpg


With n=100 and [tex]\Sigma^n_{i=1}X_i = 32[/tex] I get

[tex]\hat{\theta}=0.64[/tex], but using the formula above gives doesn't give me the correct interval, which is [0.46, 0.82]

Edit: I get the right interval when I don't include the [tex]\sqrt{n}[/tex] in the formula above. Is the formula wrong?
 
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You used the wrong formula. You have to derive your own confidence interval formula.

I assume you meant to say that [tex]\frac{\hat{\theta} - \theta}{\sqrt{\frac{2 \hat{\theta}}{n}(1-\frac{\hat{\theta}}{2})}}[/tex] is standard normal.

Then [tex]P(-1.96<\frac{\hat{\theta} - \theta}{\sqrt{\frac{2 \hat{\theta}}{n}(1-\frac{\hat{\theta}}{2})}} <1.96 )=0.95[/tex]

Now rearrange to get

[tex]P(\text{thing}<-\theta<\text{other thing})=0.95[/tex]

and then finally

[tex]P(-\text{thing}>\theta>-\text{other thing})=0.95[/tex]
 
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