An elementary estimation of gamma parameters and the analysis of disdrometer data

This thesis considers the problem of estimating the three parameters of a gamma distribution with grouped and truncated data. Sample sizes may be small and commonly subject to lower and perhaps upper truncation. A new simple, closed form, rehable. almost unbiased and low-variance method is developed. It is shown that the new 'hybrid' approach is a first order approximation to maximum like.hood with a constraint that incorporates a single sample moment ratio. Traditional moment methods require three distinct sample moments and typically give ised estimates. The operation of the hybrid method is discussed and extended to encompass the estimation of parameters for a Generalized Gamma mode.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo