Why am I getting the wrong result for the expected value of an F-distribution?

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter thisguy12
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Expected value Value
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the calculation of the expected value E(F) of an F-distribution derived from independent Chi-Squared random variables W_1 and W_2 with degrees of freedom v_1 and v_2, respectively. The user incorrectly assumes that E(W_1/W_2) equals E(W_1)/E(W_2), leading to the erroneous conclusion that E(F) equals 1. The correct expected value for an F-distributed random variable is v_2/(v_2 - 2), highlighting the critical mistake in assuming the independence of the reciprocal of W_2 in the expectation calculation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of F-distribution and its properties
  • Knowledge of Chi-Squared distribution and its expected values
  • Familiarity with the concept of expected value in probability theory
  • Basic principles of independence in random variables
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the expected value for F-distribution in statistical literature
  • Learn about the properties of independent random variables in probability theory
  • Explore the implications of Jensen's inequality in expectation calculations
  • Review advanced topics in statistical inference related to F-tests
USEFUL FOR

Statisticians, data analysts, and students studying probability theory who seek to deepen their understanding of F-distributions and their expected values.

thisguy12
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Let W_1 and W_2 be independent Chi-Squared distributed random variables with v_1 and v_2 degrees of freedom, respectively. Then F = (W_1/v_1)/(W_2/v_2) = (v_2/v_1)(W_1/W_2) is said to have an F-distribution with v_1 numerator degrees of freedom and v_2 denominator degrees of freedom.

I want to find E(F).

Here is where I get confused:
E(F) = E((v_2/v_1)(W_1/W_2))
= (v_2/v_1) E(W_1/W_2) since v_1, v_2 are constants
= (v_2/v_1) E(W_1)/E(W_2) because W_1 and W_2 are independent random variables
= (v_2/v_1) (v_1/v_2) because if X is chi-squared r.v. with v degrees of freedom, E(X) = v
= 1


However, the correct result for the expected value of an F-distributed r.v. is v_2/(v_2 - 2). Where is the hiccup in my logic?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You are assuming E( 1/W2) = 1/ E(W2).

If W is a random variable with density f(w), this would say
[itex]\int \frac{1}{w} f(w) dw[/itex] = [itex]\frac{1}{\int f(w) dw}[/itex]
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
10K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
4K