moments method

statistics

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 30, 2026

Quick Summary

The moments method is a technique in statistics used for point estimation. This method involves equating values of sample moments (functions that describe a parameter) to their corresponding population moments. Solving the resulting equation provides the desired estimate of the population parameter, such as the mean. This process helps in approximating unknown population characteristics using data from samples.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

point estimation
The moments method equates values of sample moments (functions describing the parameter) to population moments. The solution of the equation gives the desired estimate. The Bayesian method, named for the 18th-century English theologian and mathematician Thomas Bayes, differs from the traditional methods by introducing a frequency…
Read More
The moments method equates values of sample moments (functions describing the parameter) to population moments. The solution of the equation gives the desired estimate. The Bayesian method, named for the 18th-century English theologian and mathematician Thomas Bayes, differs from the traditional methods by introducing a frequency…
Read More