Skewness for Maximum Likelihood Estimators of the Negative Binomial Distribution
The probability generating function of one version of the negative binomial distribution being (p + 1 - pt){sup -k}, we study elements of the Hessian and in particular Fisher's discovery of a series form for the variance of k, the maximum likelihood estimator, and also for the determinant of the Hessian. There is a link with the Psi function and its derivatives. Basic algebra is excessively complicated and a Maple code implementation is an important task in the solution process. Low order maximum likelihood moments are given and also Fisher's examples relating to data associated with ticks on sheep. Efficiencymore »