Strict frequentism defines probability as the limiting relative frequency in an infinite sequence. What if the limit does not exist? We present a broader theory, which is applicable also to data that exhibit diverging relative frequencies. In doing so, we develop a close connection with the theory of imprecise probability: the cluster points of relative frequencies yield a coherent upper prevision. We show that a natural frequentist definition of conditional probability recovers the generalized Bayes rule. Finally, we prove constructively that, for a finite set of elementary events, there exists a sequence for which the cluster points of relative frequencies coincide with a prespecified set which demonstrates the naturalness, and arguably completeness, of our theory.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Fröhlich et al. (2024) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: