Talk:Probability
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- Started: 29 February 2004
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[edit] Discussion 2004
There is a WikiProject in the Wikipedia that aims to produce an annotated table of contents as a guide to learning probability from the Wikipedia. This may serve as useful starting point for extending this WikiBook.
Ben Cairns On Wikipedia 03:39, 13 Apr 2004 (UTC)
Before I contribute too much to this book, I would like to know what level the other contributors are aiming for in terms of mathematical background required and difficulty of examples/exercises.
Here is my suggestion, on which I invite comments:
- In the earlier chapters, keep the math background required to a minimum. Perhaps a good guideline would be nothing that wouldn't be covered in a first year college math class.
- However, when an example involving more difficult math would be enlightening to those with the background necessary to understand it, mark the example as advanced. Possibly put it in a green box to separate it from the rest of the text.
- Include proofs in appendices. This would also be a good place for more involved examples that require advanced math.
CyborgTosser 10:56, 12 Oct 2004 (UTC)
[edit] Book structure
Given the scope of probability theory, shouldn't we group combinatorics and permutations in a single chapter?
edit: as I've started working on the combinaorics chapter - and have introduced permutations there - I changed it. If this causes any probelm, welll, we'll edit it back the way it was.
I think it would make more sense and make the book more accessible if discrete random variables (including examples) were discussed first, and then move on to continuous rvs with pdfs etc. The concept of discrete rvs is far easier to grasp and so separating that out is useful for those uninterested in continuous RVs. Also for people reading the whole book, it allows them to get to grips with the concept of a random variable, the notation etc, without the worrying inclusion of continuous RVs having probability 0 of taking any particular value. --MarkyParky 23:31, 25 August 2006 (UTC)
[edit] Introduction to Probability textbook
It turns out that there's a 520-page textbook on probability which has been GPL'd and made available as a free download. The text is by Grinstead & Snell. It can be downloaded here. Perhaps parts of it would make good additions to this wikibook, or perhaps even the entire thing should be wikified? --NeuronExMachina 06:06, 4 August 2005 (UTC)
[edit] Additional Sections
There are a number of additional sections that I think should be added to this book, so that it can become a more comprehensive resource. Here is a list of topics that I think we should add, and people can feel free to comment on this list or add to it (or give a good excuse why we shouldnt include them):
- Transformations of Random Variables
- Rician Fading
- Markov Processes
- Error Function, Complimentary Error Function
- (pseudo-)Random Number Generation
- Tests for randomness
- Joint pdf, joint PDF
- Functions of Random Variables
- Systems of Random Variables (Jacobians, etc)
- Moments
- Expectations
- Bounds and estimation (markov bound, chebyshev bound, chernoff bound)
- Entropy
- Moment Generating Function, Characteristic Equation
- Cumulant, Second Characteristic Equations
I am taking a class in this subject now, and I will try and incorporate some of my class notes into this book as I go. If there are any comments, questions, or suggestions, please let me know User talk:on my user talk page. --Whiteknight (talk) (projects) 17:42, 31 October 2006 (UTC)
[edit] Question and answers
How about adding a small set of questions and answers at the end of each section. This would be helpful.
