• Corpus ID: 222140824

Likelihood-based solution to the Monty Hall puzzle and a related 3-prisoner paradox

@article{Pawitan2020LikelihoodbasedST,
  title={Likelihood-based solution to the Monty Hall puzzle and a related 3-prisoner paradox},
  author={Yudi Pawitan},
  journal={arXiv: Other Statistics},
  year={2020}
}

• Y. Pawitan
• Published 5 October 2020
• Philosophy
• arXiv: Other Statistics

The Monty Hall puzzle has been solved and dissected in many ways, but always using probabilistic arguments, so it is considered a probability puzzle. In this paper the puzzle is set up as an orthodox statistical problem involving an unknown parameter, a probability model and an observation. This means we can compute a likelihood function, and the decision to switch corresponds to choosing the maximum likelihood solution. One advantage of the likelihood-based solution is that the reasoning applies to a single game, unaffected by the future plan of the host. I also describe an earlier version of the puzzle in terms of three prisoners: two to be executed and one released. Unlike the goats and the car, these prisoners have consciousness, so they can think about exchanging punishments. When two of them do that, however, we have a paradox, where it is advantageous for both to exchange their punishment with each other. Overall, the puzzle and the paradox are useful examples of statistical thinking, so they are excellent teaching topics.