(c) Consider the random walk process Yt=Yt−1+ϵt where $\epsil...
May 30, 2024
Sure, let's break down the problem step by step.
Solution
a
Given the random walk process Yt=Yt−1+ϵt, where ϵt is a zero mean white noise process with variance σϵ2, we need to find the variance of the sample mean Yˉn=∑t=1nYt/n
b
The variance of the sample mean Yˉn can be expressed as V[Yˉn]=n21V[∑t=1nYt]
c
Since Yt is a random walk, Yt=Y0+∑i=1tϵi. Therefore, V[Yt]=V[Y0+∑i=1tϵi]=∑i=1tV[ϵi]=tσϵ2
As n→∞, V[Yˉn]→2σϵ2. This indicates that the variance of the sample mean does not go to zero as n increases, implying that the sample mean Yˉn is not a reliable estimator of E[Yt] for a random walk process
Answer
The variance of the sample mean Yˉn is 2nσϵ2(n+1), and as n→∞, it approaches 2σϵ2. This means that the sample mean is not a reliable estimator of the expected value of Yt in a random walk process.
Key Concept
Variance of the sample mean in a random walk process
Explanation
The variance of the sample mean Yˉn does not go to zero as the sample size n increases, indicating that the sample mean is not a reliable estimator of the expected value of Yt in a random walk process.
Solution
a
Given the process Zt=ϵt−θϵt−12, where ϵt is a zero mean white noise process with variance σϵ2, we need to derive the autocorrelation function of Zt
b
The autocorrelation function ρk of Zt is defined as ρk=γ0γk, where γk is the autocovariance function at lag k and γ0 is the variance of Zt
c
First, calculate the variance γ0 of Zt:
γ0=E[Zt2]=E[(ϵt−θϵt−12)2]=E[ϵt2]+θ2E[ϵt−122]=σϵ2+θ2σϵ2=(1+θ2)σϵ2
d
Next, calculate the autocovariance γk for k=0:
γk=E[ZtZt−k]=E[(ϵt−θϵt−12)(ϵt−k−θϵt−12−k)]
For k=12:
γ12=E[(ϵt−θϵt−12)(ϵt−12−θϵt−24)]=−θσϵ2
For k=0:
γ0=(1+θ2)σϵ2
For k=0,12:
γk=0
e
Finally, the autocorrelation function ρk is:
ρk=γ0γk
For k=12:
ρ12=(1+θ2)σϵ2−θσϵ2=1+θ2−θ
For k=0,12:
ρk=0
Answer
The autocorrelation function of Zt is ρ12=1+θ2−θ for k=12 and ρk=0 for k=0,12.
Key Concept
Autocorrelation function of a time series process
Explanation
The autocorrelation function measures the correlation between values of the process at different times. For the given process Zt, the autocorrelation is non-zero only at lag 12, indicating a specific periodic relationship.
Solution
a
Define the process: The given process is Xt=ϕXt−4+ϵt, where |\phi|<1 and ϵt is a zero mean white noise process with variance σϵ2
b
Calculate the mean: Since ϵt is a zero mean white noise process, the mean of Xt is also zero
c
Calculate the variance: The variance of Xt can be derived using the fact that ϵt is white noise with variance σϵ2. The variance of Xt is given by σX2=1−ϕ2σϵ2
d
Define the autocovariance function: The autocovariance function γk for lag k is defined as γk=E[(Xt−μ)(Xt−k−μ)]. Since μ=0, this simplifies to γk=E[XtXt−k]
e
Calculate the autocovariance for lag 0: For k=0, γ0=E[Xt2]=σX2=1−ϕ2σϵ2
f
Calculate the autocovariance for lag 4: For k=4, γ4=E[XtXt−4]=ϕE[Xt−42]=ϕσX2=ϕ1−ϕ2σϵ2
g
Calculate the autocovariance for other lags: For k=0,4, γk=0 because Xt and Xt−k are uncorrelated for these lags
h
Define the autocorrelation function: The autocorrelation function ρk is given by ρk=γ0γk
i
Calculate the autocorrelation for lag 0: For k=0, ρ0=γ0γ0=1
j
Calculate the autocorrelation for lag 4: For k=4, ρ4=γ0γ4=ϕ
k
Calculate the autocorrelation for other lags: For k=0,4, ρk=0
Answer
The autocorrelation function of the process Xt=ϕXt−4+ϵt is given by:
- ρ0=1
- ρ4=ϕ
- ρk=0 for k=0,4
Key Concept
Autocorrelation Function
Explanation
The autocorrelation function measures the correlation between values of the process at different times. For the given process, the autocorrelation is non-zero only at lags 0 and 4, reflecting the structure of the process.