Maximum Likelihood Estimation

Abstract

It is possible to develop a number of systems of estimation and nowhere does this seem to be more true than for the estimation of genetic crossover fractions. Several of these fail dismally because of inaccuracy and inefficiency (Fisher and Balmukand, 1928). Others have received consideration in the main because of their interesting and special features. These exceptional systems are known as minimum χ², product ratio, and minimum discrepancy (Fisher and Balmukand, 1928; Immer, 1930; Haldance,1953; Murty, 1954b). The most versatile and efficient system, however, is the method of maximum likelihood (Fisher, 1922; Mather, 1951; Bailey, 1961). The main objection to the method, namely, that the estimating formulae are often of high degree polynomials, is only correct for a few cases and in the event can be side-stepped by the use of scores.