2
$\begingroup$

Let's say that I have a method of sampling from $P(X, \theta \mid Y)$. It seems intuitive that if I drew samples of $(X, \theta)$ and then simply dropped the $\theta$s, this is equivalent to drawing from $P(X \mid Y)$ directly. What is the theorem that says that I can do this?

$\endgroup$

1 Answer 1

1
$\begingroup$

Under suitable regularity conditions, if you have a sequence of IID random pairs $\{(X_i,Y_i)\}_{i\geq 1}$ and a nice function $g:\mathbb{R}^2\to\mathbb{R}$, since $\{g(X_i,Y_i)\}_{i\geq 1}$ is a sequence of IID random variables, the Strong Law of Large Numbers says that $$ \frac{1}{n}\sum_{i=1}^n g(X_i,Y_i) \to \mathrm{E}[g(X_1,Y_1)] \, , $$ with probability one, when $n\to\infty$. To answer your question, consider what happens if you choose $g(x,y)=x$. This argument holds in more general settings and your simulation technique is absolutely correct.

$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.