Analysing a BBN: entering evidence and propagation

 Having entered the probabilities we can now use Bayesian probability to do various types of analysis. For example, we might want to calculate the (unconditional) probability that Norman is late:

p(Norman late) = p(Norman late | train strike) * p(train strike) + p(Norman late | no train strike)*p(no train strike)

= (0.8 * 0.1) + (0.1 * 0.9) = 0.17

This is called the marginal probability .

Similarly, we can calculate the marginal probability that Martin is late to be 0.51.

However, the most important use of BBNs is in revising probabilities in the light of actual observations of events. Suppose, for example, that we know there is a train strike. In this case we can enter the evidence that 'train strike' = true. The conditional probability tables already tell us the revised probabilites for Norman being late (0.8) and Martin being late (0.6). Suppose, however, that we do not know if there is a train strike but do know that Norman is late. Then we can enter the evidence that 'Norman late' = true and we can use this observation to determine:

a) the (revised) probability that there is a train strike; and

b) the (revised) probability that Martin will be late.

To calculate a) we use Bayes theorem :

 image\BBNs0066_wmf.gif

Thus, the observation that Norman is late significantly increases the probability that there is a train strike (up from 0.1 to 0.47). Moreover, we can use this revised probability to calculate b):

p(Martin late) = p(Martin late | train strike) * p(train strike) + p(Martin late | no train strike)* p(no train strike)

= (0.6 * 0.47) + (0.5 * 0.53) = 0.55

Thus, the observation that Norman is late has slightly increased the probability that Martin is late. When we enter evidence and use it to update the probabilities in this way we call it propagation.

For a detailed look at how BBNs transmit evidence for propagation (including the notions of d-connectedness and separation) click here.