Statistics – Computation
Scientific paper
Aug 1994
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1994apj...431..147n&link_type=abstract
The Astrophysical Journal, Part 1, vol. 431, no. 1, p. 147-155
Statistics
Computation
17
Computational Astrophysics, Inference, Power Spectra, Red Shift, Statistical Tests, Histograms, Periodic Variations, Random Processes
Scientific paper
Frequency histograms and the 'power spectrum analysis' (PSA) method, the latter developed by Yu & Peebles (1969), have been widely employed as techniques for establishing the existence of periodicities. We provide a formal analysis of these two classes of methods, including controlled numerical experiments, to better understand their proper use and application. In particular, we note that typical published applications of frequency histograms commonly employ far greater numbers of class intervals or bins than is advisable by statistical theory sometimes giving rise to the appearance of spurious patterns. The PSA method generates a sequence of random numbers from observational data which, it is claimed, is exponentially distributed with unit mean and variance, essentially independent of the distribution of the original data. We show that the derived random processes is nonstationary and produces a small but systematic bias in the usual estimate of the mean and variance. Although the derived variable may be reasonably described by an exponential distribution, the tail of the distribution is far removed from that of an exponential, thereby rendering statistical inference and confidence testing based on the tail of the distribution completely unreliable. Finally, we examine a number of astronomical examples wherein these methods have been used giving rise to widespread acceptance of statistically unconfirmed conclusions.
Haynes Martha P.
Newman William I.
Terzian Yervant
No associations
LandOfFree
Redshift data and statistical inference does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Redshift data and statistical inference, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Redshift data and statistical inference will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1494401