Simplified Estimators for the Normal Distribution When Samples Are Singly Censored or Truncated

Abstract

Easily computed estimates of the mean and variance of a Normal distribution obtained from samples which are truncated or censored are described. The estimates require only a single auxiliary function which is conveniently tabulated. Worked examples are given for sample data subject to left and right truncation. Additional examples are given for left and right censoring for the two cases in which either the point of censoring is fixed or the number of censored items is known.