3
$\begingroup$

Can I use the Fisher information matrix to derive estimators for variances of unknown parameters?

I know that for the Fisher information (non-matrix form) the variance of, say, $\theta$ is given by the inverse of $J(\theta)$ (the Fisher information function).

But what about for multiple (e.g. 2) variables and the Fisher information matrix form?

$\endgroup$
1
  • 2
    $\begingroup$ In case the fisher information $J(\theta)$ is a matrix the size $n \times n$ with $n > 1$ the variance of the parameters are still given by the inverse of the fisher information. i.e. $J(\theta)^{-1}$. However, inverting a matrix is slightly more tricky than inverting a scalar. You need to find the matrix $B$ whose matrix-product with $J(\theta)$ results in the identity matrix $I$. $\endgroup$ Commented Feb 24, 2016 at 10:17

1 Answer 1

3
$\begingroup$

The variances of the parameters (of a distribution that's compatible with the requirements of Fisher information) are found from the diagonal of the inverse $J(\theta)^{-1}$ of the Fisher information matrix.

$\endgroup$
3
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ Variances of what precisely? $\endgroup$
    – Scortchi
    Commented Feb 24, 2016 at 12:28
  • $\begingroup$ "Variables of a distribution" isn't a standard term: if you mean "parameters of a distribution", as suggested by the $\theta$ notation in your question, then these are unknown constants & don't have a variance. Fisher information relates to the variance of estimators, but how? & to which estimators? $\endgroup$
    – Scortchi
    Commented Feb 24, 2016 at 13:27
  • 2
    $\begingroup$ Not really: as I said, parameters don't have variances because they're not random variables. $\endgroup$
    – Scortchi
    Commented Feb 24, 2016 at 14:14

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.