[Numpy-discussion] non-standard standard deviation

Sturla Molden sturla at molden.no
Mon Nov 30 08:19:59 EST 2009


Colin J. Williams skrev:
> Where the distribution of a variate is not known a priori, then I 
> believe that it can be shown
> that the n-1 divisor provides the best estimate of the variance.
>   
Have you ever been shooting with a rifle?

What would you rather do:

- Hit 9 or 10, with a bias to the right.

- Hit 7 or better, with no bias.

Do you think it can be shown that the latter option is the better?

No?


Sturla Molden



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