Knowable Moments in Stochastics: Knowing Their Advantages

Abstract

Knowable moments, abbreviated as K-moments, are redefined as expectations of maxima or minima of a number of stochastic variables that are a sample of the variable of interest. The new definition enables applicability of the concept to any type of variable, continuous or discrete, and generalization for transformations thereof. While K-moments share some characteristics with classical and other moments, as well as with order statistics, they also have some unique features, which make them useful in relevant applications. These include the fact that they are knowable, i.e., reliably estimated from a sample for high orders. Moreover, unlike other moment types, K-moment values can be assigned values of distribution function by making optimal use of the entire dataset. In addition, K-moments offer the unique advantage of considering the estimation bias when the data are not an independent sample but a time series from a process with dependence. Both for samples and time series, the K-moment concept offers a strategy of model fitting, including its visualization, that is not shared with other methods. This enables utilization of the highest possible moment orders, which are particularly useful in modelling extremes that are closely associated with high-order moments.