Definition of Proper Scoring Rules

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 137 views

Introduction

In the realm of forecasting and model evaluation, scoring rules play a crucial role in assessing the performance of density forecasts. A scoring rule is a function that assigns a numerical value to a forecast and its corresponding true outcome. The goal of a scoring rule is to provide a fair and unbiased evaluation of the forecast's accuracy. However, not all scoring rules are created equal, and some can lead to improper evaluations. In this article, we will delve into the concept of negative probability density and why it is considered an improper scoring rule. We will also present a counterexample to illustrate the implications of using such a scoring rule.

Definition of Proper Scoring Rules

Proper scoring rules are a class of scoring rules that satisfy certain mathematical properties. These properties ensure that the scoring rule is fair and unbiased, meaning that it does not penalize or reward the forecaster for their predictions. In other words, a proper scoring rule should not lead to a situation where the forecaster is incentivized to provide a specific type of forecast, such as a forecast with a high probability of a particular outcome.

Definition 4, as stated by Gneiting and Katzfuss (2014), defines a proper scoring rule as follows:

Definition 4: The scoring rule $S: F \times R \to \mathbb{R}$ is proper if and only if

E_S[\phi(X)] = E_S[\phi(F)]

where $F$ is the forecast, $X$ is the true outcome, $\phi$ is a function that maps the forecast and true outcome to a real number, and $E_S$ denotes the expectation with respect to the scoring rule $S$ .

Negative Probability Density as an Improper Scoring Rule

Negative probability density is a scoring rule that assigns a negative value to a forecast if the forecast's probability density is negative. This may seem like a reasonable approach, as negative probability densities are often considered to be invalid. However, as we will show, negative probability density is an improper scoring rule.

To see why, let's consider a simple example. Suppose we have a forecast $F$ that assigns a probability density of $-1$ to a particular outcome. Using the negative probability density scoring rule, we would assign a score of $-1$ to this forecast. However, this is problematic, as the expectation of the scoring rule is not well-defined.

Theorem: The negative probability density scoring rule is improper.

Proof: Let $F$ be a forecast that assigns a probability density of $-1$ to a particular outcome. Then, the expectation of the scoring rule is given by:

E_S[\phi(X)] = \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} \phi(x) f(x) dx

where $f(x)$ is the probability density function of the true outcome $X$ . However, since the probability density is negative, the integral is not well-defined, and the expectation is not well-defined either.

A Counterexample

To illustrate the implications of using the negative probability density scoring rule, let's consider a counterexample. Suppose we have a forecast $F$ that assigns a probability density of $-1$ to a particular outcome. Using the negative probability density scoring rule, we would assign a score of $-1$ to this forecast. However, this is problematic, as the forecast is not even a valid probability density.

Counterexample: Suppose we have a forecast $F$ that assigns a probability density of $-1$ to a particular outcome. Then, the negative probability density scoring rule assigns a score of $-1$ to this forecast. However, this is not a valid probability density, and the forecast is not even a valid probability distribution.

Conclusion

In conclusion, negative probability density is an improper scoring rule. The expectation of the scoring rule is not well-defined, and the scoring rule leads to a situation where the forecaster is incentivized to provide a specific type of forecast, such as a forecast with a high probability of a particular outcome. We have also presented a counterexample to illustrate the implications of using such a scoring rule.

Implications for Model Evaluation

The implications of using an improper scoring rule are far-reaching. In model evaluation, the scoring rule is used to assess the performance of a model's density forecasts. If the scoring rule is improper, it can lead to biased evaluations of the model's performance. This can have serious consequences, such as selecting a model that is not the best performer.

Recommendation: When evaluating density forecasts, it is essential to use a proper scoring rule. The negative probability density scoring rule is not a proper scoring rule and should not be used.

Future Research Directions

There are several future research directions that can be explored. One direction is to develop new scoring rules that are proper and unbiased. Another direction is to investigate the implications of using improper scoring rules in model evaluation.

Future Research Directions:

Develop new scoring rules that are proper and unbiased.
Investigate the implications of using improper scoring rules in model evaluation.
Explore the use of alternative scoring rules, such as the logarithmic scoring rule.

Conclusion

In conclusion, negative probability density is an improper scoring rule. The expectation of the scoring rule is not well-defined, and the scoring rule leads to a situation where the forecaster is incentivized to provide a specific type of forecast. We have also presented a counterexample to illustrate the implications of using such a scoring rule. When evaluating density forecasts, it is essential to use a proper scoring rule. The negative probability density scoring rule is not a proper scoring rule and should not be used.

References

Gneiting, T., & Katzfuss, M. (2014). Probabilistic forecasting for the weather tale. Annual Review of Statistics and Its Application, 1, 125-144.

Additional Resources

Gneiting, T., & Raftery, A. E. (2007). Strictly proper scoring rules, prediction, and estimation. Journal of the American Statistical Association, 102(477), 359-378.
Gneiting, T., & Raftery, A. E. (2007). Probabilistic forecasting for the weather tale. Annual Review of Statistics and Its Application, 1, 125-144.

Introduction

In our previous article, we discussed the concept of negative probability density as an improper scoring rule. We showed that the expectation of the scoring rule is not well-defined, and the scoring rule leads to a situation where the forecaster is incentivized to provide a specific type of forecast. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about negative probability density as an improper scoring rule.

Q: What is the main problem with negative probability density as a scoring rule?

A: The main problem with negative probability density as a scoring rule is that the expectation of the scoring rule is not well-defined. This means that the scoring rule does not satisfy the mathematical properties required for a proper scoring rule.

Q: Why is it a problem if the expectation of the scoring rule is not well-defined?

A: If the expectation of the scoring rule is not well-defined, it can lead to biased evaluations of the model's performance. This can have serious consequences, such as selecting a model that is not the best performer.

Q: Can you provide an example of how negative probability density as a scoring rule can lead to biased evaluations?

A: Suppose we have a forecast that assigns a probability density of -1 to a particular outcome. Using the negative probability density scoring rule, we would assign a score of -1 to this forecast. However, this is problematic, as the forecast is not even a valid probability density.

Q: What are the implications of using an improper scoring rule in model evaluation?

A: The implications of using an improper scoring rule in model evaluation are far-reaching. It can lead to biased evaluations of the model's performance, which can have serious consequences, such as selecting a model that is not the best performer.

Q: How can we avoid using an improper scoring rule in model evaluation?

A: To avoid using an improper scoring rule in model evaluation, we need to use a proper scoring rule. There are several proper scoring rules available, such as the logarithmic scoring rule.

Q: What is the logarithmic scoring rule?

A: The logarithmic scoring rule is a proper scoring rule that assigns a score to a forecast based on the logarithm of the forecast's probability density. It is a widely used scoring rule in model evaluation.

Q: Why is the logarithmic scoring rule a good choice for model evaluation?

A: The logarithmic scoring rule is a good choice for model evaluation because it is a proper scoring rule, which means that it satisfies the mathematical properties required for a proper scoring rule. It also has several desirable properties, such as being strictly proper and having a well-defined expectation.

Q: Can you provide an example of how the logarithmic scoring rule can be used in model evaluation?

A: Suppose we have a forecast that assigns a probability density of 0.5 to a particular outcome. Using the logarithmic scoring rule, we would assign a score of -log(0.5) to this forecast. This score reflects the forecast's accuracy and can be used to evaluate the model's performance.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when using scoring rules in model evaluation?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when using scoring rules in model evaluation include:

Using an improper scoring rule
Not using a proper scoring rule
Not considering the implications of using a scoring rule on the model's performance
Not using a scoring rule that is well-defined and has a well-defined expectation

Q: How can we ensure that we are using a proper scoring rule in model evaluation?

A: To ensure that we are using a proper scoring rule in model evaluation, we need to:

Choose a proper scoring rule
Verify that the scoring rule is well-defined and has a well-defined expectation
Consider the implications of using the scoring rule on the model's performance
Use the scoring rule consistently and fairly

Conclusion

In conclusion, negative probability density as an improper scoring rule can lead to biased evaluations of the model's performance. To avoid this, we need to use a proper scoring rule, such as the logarithmic scoring rule. By choosing a proper scoring rule and using it consistently and fairly, we can ensure that our model evaluations are accurate and unbiased.

References

Gneiting, T., & Katzfuss, M. (2014). Probabilistic forecasting for the weather tale. Annual Review of Statistics and Its Application, 1, 125-144.

Gneiting, T., & Raftery, A. E. (2007). Strictly proper scoring rules, prediction, and estimation. Journal of the American Statistical Association, 102(477), 359-378.

Additional Resources

Gneiting, T., & Raftery, A. E. (2007). Probabilistic forecasting for the weather tale. Annual Review of Statistics and Its Application, 1, 125-144.
Gneiting, T., & Raftery, A. E. (2007). Strictly proper scoring rules, prediction, and estimation. Journal of the American Statistical Association, 102(477), 359-378.