Detailed Statistical Inference-multiple Decision Problem

Abstract

The procedure for detailed statistical inference developed by the authors in an earlier paper (1992) for the two-decision case, is extended here to the case of several decisions. Alongwith the rule for choosing the decision, the problem of stating data dependent measures of confidence in terms of betting odds, is considered. The extension involves generalization oftlie coneept of legitimacy of betting odds introduced in the earlier paper and the choice of a suitable utility function for bets. The actual solution is worked out in the case of logarithmic utility. A rather intricate mathematical result requires to be established to prove the existence of an optimum rule in this case. Application of the procedure is illustrated through some numerical examples.