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Preferred term

maximum likelihood  

Definition

  • In statistics, maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) is a method of estimating the parameters of an assumed probability distribution, given some observed data. This is achieved by maximizing a likelihood function so that, under the assumed statistical model, the observed data is most probable. The point in the parameter space that maximizes the likelihood function is called the maximum likelihood estimate. The logic of maximum likelihood is both intuitive and flexible, and as such the method has become a dominant means of statistical inference. (Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maximum_likelihood_estimation)

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Entry terms

  • maximum likelihood estimation

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URI

http://data.loterre.fr/ark:/67375/MDL-WC3D5QCJ-L

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