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June, 1962 The Numerical Evaluation of Certain Multivariate Normal Integrals
R. N. Curnow, C. W. Dunnett
Ann. Math. Statist. 33(2): 571-579 (June, 1962). DOI: 10.1214/aoms/1177704581

Abstract

As has been noted by several authors, when a multivariate normal distribution with correlation matrix $\{\rho_{ij}\}$ has a correlation structure of the form $\rho_{ij} = \alpha_i \alpha_j (i \neq j)$, where $-1 \leqq \alpha_i \leqq + 1$, its c.d.f. can be expressed as a single integral having a product of univariate normal c.d.f.'s in the integrand. The advantage of such a single integral representation is that it is easy to evaluate numerically. In this paper it is noted that the $n$-variate normal c.d.f. with correlation matrix $\{\rho_{ij}\}$ can always be written as a single integral in two ways, with an $n$-variate normal c.d.f. in the integrand and the integration extending over a doubly-infinite range, and with an $(n - 1)$-variate normal c.d.f. in the integrand and the integration extending over a singly-infinite range. We shall show that, for certain correlation structures, the multivariate normal c.d.f. in the integrand factorizes into a product of lower-order normal c.d.f.'s. The results may be useful in instances where these lower-order integrals are tabulated or can be evaluated. One important special case is $\rho_{ij} = \alpha_i \alpha_j$, previously mentioned. Another is $\rho_{ij} = \gamma_i/\gamma_j (i < j)$, where $|\gamma_i| < |\gamma_j|$ for $i < j$. Some applications of these two special cases are given.

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R. N. Curnow. C. W. Dunnett. "The Numerical Evaluation of Certain Multivariate Normal Integrals." Ann. Math. Statist. 33 (2) 571 - 579, June, 1962. https://doi.org/10.1214/aoms/1177704581

Information

Published: June, 1962
First available in Project Euclid: 27 April 2007

zbMATH: 0213.44404
MathSciNet: MR137234
Digital Object Identifier: 10.1214/aoms/1177704581

Rights: Copyright © 1962 Institute of Mathematical Statistics

Vol.33 • No. 2 • June, 1962
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