Accession Number:

AD0883260

Title:

A Computer Program for Calculating the Shape Parameters of Beta Distributions,

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

AIR FORCE INST OF TECH WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH SCHOOL OF SYSTEMS AND LOGISTIC S

Personal Author(s):

• Jacobs, Grady L.

Report Date:

1971-03-01

Pagination or Media Count:

21.0

Abstract:

One of the problems in using beta distributions in analysis of uncertainty is the inability to specify the shape parameters directly. This has resulted in various compromise techniques such as constraining the available distributions to nine basic types. This paper provides a methodology for calculating beta distribution shape parameters based on estimates of the low, modal and high values, and the standard deviation. A FORTRAN IV program for accomplishing the calculating is provided. The problem of defining heuristics for estimating the standard deviation is discussed and related to the normal distribution and PERT assumptions. Author

Descriptors:

• *COMPUTER PROGRAMS)
• (*DISTRIBUTION FUNCTIONS
• PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
• PROBLEM SOLVING
• COSTS
• MONTE CARLO METHOD
• UNCERTAINTY
• DECISION MAKING

Subject Categories:

• Statistics and Probability
• Computer Programming and Software

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE