What does unbiased in Math mean?

Some of your school notes will mention and explain the definition of unbiased and consistency. But let us just discuss what unbiased means as we do see it quite often in A-level.

What does its mean to say that s^2 is an unbiased estimate of \sigma^2?

We know that an estimate means its an approximation, meaning that s^2\ne \sigma^2. So unbiased will mean that the E(s^{2})=\sigma^2. And if we recall expectation is a really intuitive meaning, simply what do you expect? So unbiased indicates that we expect s^2 to be \sigma^2 but do note that latex s^2\ne \sigma^2$ still!

Want to learn more? Arrange a math session with KS to get started!

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    • […] estimate. So to put things in perceptive, we first collect samples and obtain a sample variance (biased), then input it into the estimator formula to obtain the estimate which is unbiased. And let us […]

    • […] This is a fairly manageable question that should be attempted. The only issue is probably with the assumption part. Students cannot use their regular “assume population mean followed a normal distribution” assumption since the question stated it. So they need to be more creative. As to what constitutes a good estimate, we consider if they are consistent and unbiased. […]

    • […] What does unbiased in Math mean? 2. What is r-value? 3. Why is the r-value independent of translation and scaling? #1 4. Why is the […]

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