How to Use pyhf for Statistical Analysis

Aug 10, 2021 | Data Science

As the demand for statistical modeling in various fields continues to grow, tools like pyhf emerge as valuable resources for researchers and developers. This guide aims to help you navigate the setup, usage, and troubleshooting of the pyhf library, a pure Python implementation of the HistFactory statistical model.

Setting Up pyhf

Before you dive into using pyhf, ensuring it is installed correctly is crucial. Follow these simple steps to get started:

  • Open your terminal or command prompt.
  • To install the basic version with the NumPy backend, run:
  • python -m pip install pyhf
  • If you’d like to install pyhf with all additional backends (including TensorFlow and PyTorch), execute:
  • python -m pip install pyhf[backends]
  • In case you need to uninstall, you can simply run:
  • python -m pip uninstall pyhf

Your First Model: A Simple Example

Using pyhf to create a statistical model can be likened to baking a cake. You need the right ingredients (data and model structure) and a clear recipe (the programming syntax). Below is a basic example of how you can model a simple statistical scenario:

import pyhf
pyhf.set_backend(numpy)
model = pyhf.simplemodels.uncorrelated_background(
    signal=[12.0, 11.0], bkg=[50.0, 52.0], bkg_uncertainty=[3.0, 7.0]
)
data = [51, 48] + model.config.auxdata
test_mu = 1.0
CLs_obs, CLs_exp = pyhf.infer.hypotest(
    test_mu, data, model, test_stat=qtilde, return_expected=True
)
print(f"Observed: {CLs_obs:.8f}, Expected: {CLs_exp:.8f}")

In this analogy, the ‘signal’ represents the delicious frosting that you add to your cake, while the ‘background’ acts as the sponge; they come together to present a complete statistical picture.

Working with Existing Models

Sometimes you may want to work with models that already exist in JSON format. The following example shows you how to achieve this:

import pyhf
import requests
pyhf.set_backend(numpy)
url = 'https://raw.githubusercontent.com/scikit-hep/pyhf/main/docs/examples/json2-bin_1-channel.json'
wspace = pyhf.Workspace(requests.get(url).json())
model = wspace.model()
data = wspace.data(model)
test_mu = 1.0
CLs_obs, CLs_exp = pyhf.infer.hypotest(
    test_mu, data, model, test_stat=qtilde, return_expected=True
)
print(f"Observed: {CLs_obs:.8f}, Expected: {CLs_exp:.8f}")

Just like using a pre-packaged cake mix, you can quickly set up your analysis without having to start from scratch!

Using the Command Line

If you prefer working via command line interfaces, pyhf offers that capability as well. Here’s a quick example:

$ cat <

Troubleshooting Ideas

If you encounter any issues while using pyhf, consider the following troubleshooting tips:

  • Ensure that your Python version is compatible with pyhf.
  • Check your internet connection if you are fetching existing JSON models from the web.
  • Review the installation instructions to ensure all dependencies are installed.
  • Consult the pyhf documentation for detailed troubleshooting steps.

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Conclusion

At fxis.ai, we believe that such advancements are crucial for the future of AI, as they enable more comprehensive and effective solutions. Our team is continually exploring new methodologies to push the envelope in artificial intelligence, ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest technological innovations.

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