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Empirical, Subjective and Priori Probability

📊Statistical MethodsMay 21, 2014 · 1 min read

There are three types of probabilities:

Empirical Probability
  • Based on observed or historical data.
Subjective Probability
  • Based on an individual’s judgement about the probability of occurrence of an event.
  • The probability of an event is determined by an individual, based on that person’s past experience, personal opinion, and/or analysis of a particular situation.
Priori Probability
  • Based on prior knowledge.
  • Involves deductive reasoning.

Check your understanding

5 questions

    1. A portfolio manager estimates a 30% chance of a Federal Reserve rate hike next month, based on her interpretation of recent economic indicators and professional experience. This is an example of which type of probability?
    1. Which of the following best distinguishes a priori probability from empirical probability?
    1. A risk analyst reviews 500 historical trading days and finds that a stock fell on 150 of those days. She estimates the probability of a down day as $\frac{150}{500} = 0.30$. Which probability type is this?
    1. Which of the following scenarios represents an a priori probability?
    1. An analyst can use more than one type of probability in practice. Which of the following statements is most accurate?
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