An algebra is presented for a simple probabilistic data model that may be regarded as an extension of the standard relational model. The probabilistic algebra is developed in such a way that (restricted to α -acyclic database schemes) the relational algebra is a homomorphic image of it. Strictly probabilistic results are emphasized. Variations on the basic probabilistic data model are discussed. The algebra is used to explicate a commonly used statistical smoothing procedure and is shown to be potentially very useful for decision support with uncertain information.
An extension of the model using probability intervals, which are viewed as constraints on the probabilities, is reviewed in REF .
An algebra for probabilistic databases
IEEE Trans. Knowl. Data Eng.
IEEE Trans. Knowl. Data Eng.
Computer Science