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Fiducial inference on the largest mean of a multivariate normal distribution. (English) Zbl 1206.62112

Summary: Inference on the largest mean of a multivariate normal distribution is a surprisingly difficult and unexplored topic. Difficulties arise when two or more of the means are simultaneously the largest mean. Our proposed solution is based on an extension of R. A. Fisher’s [Proc. Cambridge 26, 528–535 (1930; JFM 56.1083.05)] fiducial inference methods termed generalized fiducial inference. We use a model selection technique along with the generalized fiducial distribution to allow for equal largest means and alleviate the overestimation that commonly occurs. Our proposed confidence intervals for the largest mean have asymptotically correct frequentist coverage and simulation results suggest that they possess promising small sample empirical properties. In addition to the theoretical calculations and simulations we also applied this approach to the air quality index of the four largest cities in the northeastern United States (Baltimore, Boston, New York, and Philadelphia).

MSC:

62H12 Estimation in multivariate analysis
62F25 Parametric tolerance and confidence regions
62P12 Applications of statistics to environmental and related topics
62F12 Asymptotic properties of parametric estimators

Citations:

JFM 56.1083.05
Full Text: DOI

References:

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