DescriptionA run is an uninterrupted sequence, for example a run of heads in sequential tosses of a coin. Probabilistic and statistical aspects of runs have been studied for several centuries, with for example interest in the length of the maximal run, the number of switches between runs, et cetera. Theory has been developed for many practical applications, for example in reliability and quality control and in study of brand switching patterns.In this project, you will start with a study of basic properties of runs. This can be followed in a variety of ways, including focus on a specific application (area), study of concepts that generalize basic runs, or even attempting to answer new questions involving runs. The topic is very general, and in addition to clear links to topics in the Probability and Statistics modules in 1H-3H it can also link to Bayesian Statistics or topics from Decision Theory (or Operations Research).
PrerequisitesStatistical Concepts II.ReferencesThe book `Runs and Scans with Applications' by Balakrishnan and Koutras (Wiley, 2002) is the outstanding text on this topic. Searching online for something like `Runs Statistics' will also provide some idea about the field. See also the mathworld entry on runs which gives an idea of some of the mathematics involved.Please feel free to contact me - best by email |
email: Frank Coolen