Best unbiased graphical estimators of location-scale distribution parameters: application to the Pozzuoli's bradyseism earthquake data.

Graphical techniques are recommended for critical applications because they allow for visual analysis and helpful understanding of the results, also for non-statisticians. However, 'graphical' estimation methods are often criticized because they are less efficient with respect to 'analytical' methods. This paper proposes a new general graphical method that leads to the best linear unbiased estimators of location-scale distribution parameters. Therefore, the reputation of graphical methods is raised and their strategic use is encouraged. An applicative example analyzes the earthquake magnitudes registered during the serious 1983-1984 bradyseismic crisis in Campi Flegrei, Italy. This graphical analysis will certainly work as a strategic reference picture to which the data, arising from the further bradyseismic crises expected in the next future, can be compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]