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Interpreting Null Results from Measurements with Uncertain Correlations: An Info‐Gap Approach

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  • Yakov Ben‐Haim

Abstract

Null events—not detecting a pernicious agent—are the basis for declaring the agent is absent. Repeated nulls strengthen confidence in the declaration. However, correlations between observations are difficult to assess in many situations and introduce uncertainty in interpreting repeated nulls. We quantify uncertain correlations using an info‐gap model, which is an unbounded family of nested sets of possible probabilities. An info‐gap model is nonprobabilistic and entails no assumption about a worst case. We then evaluate the robustness, to uncertain correlations, of estimates of the probability of a null event. This is then the basis for evaluating a nonprobabilistic robustness‐based confidence interval for the probability of a null.

Suggested Citation

  • Yakov Ben‐Haim, 2011. "Interpreting Null Results from Measurements with Uncertain Correlations: An Info‐Gap Approach," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 31(1), pages 78-85, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:riskan:v:31:y:2011:i:1:p:78-85
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1539-6924.2010.01485.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Moffitt L. Joe & Stranlund John K. & Field Barry C., 2005. "Inspections to Avert Terrorism: Robustness Under Severe Uncertainty," Journal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, De Gruyter, vol. 2(3), pages 1-19, September.
    2. Lueck, Dean & Michael, Jeffrey A, 2003. "Preemptive Habitat Destruction under the Endangered Species Act," Journal of Law and Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 46(1), pages 27-60, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Moshe Sniedovich, 2012. "Fooled by Local Robustness," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 32(10), pages 1630-1637, October.

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