Talk:Likelihood function
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I adjusted the wiktionary entry so it doesn't say that the mathematical definition is 'likelihood = probability'. Someone more mathematical than I may want to check to see if the mathematical definition I gave is correct. I defined "likelihood" in the parameterized-model sense, because that is the only way in which I have ever seen it used (i.e., not in the more abstract Pr(A | B=b) sense currently given in the Wikipedia article). 128.231.132.2 03:06, 21 March 2007 (UTC)
This article needs integrating / refactoring with the other two on the likelihood principle and maximum likelihood method, and a good going-over by someone expert in the field. -- The Anome
I emphatically agree. I've rewritten some related articles and I may get to this one if I ever have time. -- Mike Hardy
All was going well until I hit
In statistics, a likelihood function is a conditional probability function considered as a function of its second argument with its first argument held fixed, thus:
Would it be possible for someone to elaborate on that sentence of to given an example? FarrelIThink 06:12, 21 February 2007 (UTC)
[edit] Context tag
I added the context tag because the article starts throwing mathematical functions and jargon around from the very beginning with no explanation of what the letters and symbols mean. Rompe 04:40, 15 July 2006 (UTC)
- The tag proposes making it more accessible to a general audience. A vernacular usage makes likelihood synonymous with probability, but that is not what is meant here. I doubt this topic can be made readily comprehensible to those not familiar at the very least with probability theory. So I question the appropriateness of the "context" tag. The article starts with the words "In statistics,...". That's enough to tell the general reader that it's not about criminology, church decoration, sports tactics, chemistry, fiction writing, etc. If not such preceeding words were there, I'd agree with the "context" tag. Michael Hardy 23:55, 16 July 2006 (UTC)
[edit] Which came first
Which came first? the common use as in "in all likelihood this will not occur" or the mathematical function?
