Simulating Context-Free Bandits

July 22, 2019

In this post I describe a framework and experiment in simulating context-free bandits The explore-exploit dilemma can be found in many aspects of every day life. To put this in concrete terms, imagine a person receives a free 30 meal gift card from a new breakfast restaurant that just opened up in their city. The restaurant may be well known for having good breakfast options; and as a breakfast lover, the person wants to find the best breakfast option on the menu — note that best here means personally favored, not categorically best, as in defined by a food critic or social media popularity. ... Read more

The Monty Hall Problem

August 18, 2018

In this post I explain the way I came to reason about the Monty Hall problem and provide a tool for you to run experiements to see the outcome of different strategies for playing the game. The Monty Hall problem is an interesting probability teaser. The premise is this: suppose you are at a game show with three doors, one of which has a prize. You, as a guest, have two chances of choosing a door to win the prize. ... Read more