An evaluation of a modified binary search procedure for use with the Bruceton method in sensitivity testing
Subtitle: Donald Lee Hicks
Publisher: Naval Postgraduate School
Published: 1970
Place of publication: Monterey, California
Language: eng
Description: Two methods of obtaining sensitivity data were simulated on an electronic computer for the purpose of comparing the accuracy of the estimates of the parameters of an underlying cumulative normal response function. The first method simulated the standard Bruceton procedure while the second used a modified binary search routine with a portion of the sample in order to obtain maximum likelihood estimates of the input parameters for use in a follow-on Bruceton test. The results showed both methods to be effective in estimating the mean but with slightly more variability in the estimates obtained by the second procedure. Both methods underestimated the standard deviation - again with more variability in the estimates obtained by the second procedure. When the prior parameter estimates were unknown and the applicable stimulus level bounded, the second method yielded estimates favorably comparable to those expected from the Bruceton procedure with suitable prior input estimates.
Notes: Thesis (M.S. in Operations Research)--Naval Postgraduate School, 1970.

Bibliography: l. 40.

DTIC Ide: Maximum likelihood estimation, Bruceton tests, sensitivity analysis, FORTRAN, FORTRAN 4 Programming language, IBM 360/67 computers, standard deviation, statistical decision theory, computerized simulation.

US Marine Corps (USMC) author.

MAW  2/23/2010: electronic information added.