A Computer Program for Calculating the Shape Parameters of Beta Distributions,

Abstract

One of the problems in using beta distributions in analysis of uncertainty is the inability to specify the shape parameters directly. This has resulted in various compromise techniques such as constraining the available distributions to nine basic types. This paper provides a methodology for calculating beta distribution shape parameters based on estimates of the low, modal and high values, and the standard deviation. A FORTRAN IV program for accomplishing the calculating is provided. The problem of defining heuristics for estimating the standard deviation is discussed and related to the normal distribution and PERT assumptions. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 1971
Accession Number
AD0883260

Entities

People

  • Grady L. Jacobs

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Data Science
  • Information Science
  • Mathematics
  • Normal Distribution
  • Standards
  • Uncertainty

Readers

  • Computer Science.
  • Statistical inference.
  • Systems Analysis and Design