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In many cases, we do not actually have to explicitly compute the normalization constant of a certain distribution, if we know its kernel and it corresponds to a known family.

Is there a name for this "trick" that I can look up and read more about? I don't think there is something very deep about it, but I figured it must be carrying some name.

Thanks.

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all probability measures assign measure one to the entire sample space (by definition). Is that what you're looking for? – cardinal Feb 26 '11 at 22:07
well, that is the reason this trick holds. I thought it might have a name – bayesian Feb 26 '11 at 23:58

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I was taught the stock phrase "recognising the density of a whatever distribution," to use as part of a mathematical proof. I agree this 'trick' is useful, but AFAIK it doesn't have a name.

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I guess it does not have a name. thanks. – bayesian Feb 26 '11 at 23:59

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