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---
title: Value of Information
tags:
- topic/strategy
- type/encyclopedia-entry
---
# Value of Information
In [[decision-theory]],
the **value of information** (VOI or VoI)
is a framework for quantifying the impact
of some reduction in [[uncertainty]].
It is the amount a rational party would be willing to pay
to gain access to information prior to making a decision.
"Value" in this context could represent several concepts,
currency or [[utility]],
but usually measured in the local medium of exchange.
## Example
Suppose a decision maker has the opportunity to purchase [[information]] $I$.
Consider these two scenarios:
1. the decision maker does not purchase the information
and makes \$9,000. $P(D)=9000$
2. the decision maker purchases the information
and makes \$10,000 $P(D)|I=10000$
The monetary value of $I$ is the difference between the payout
without ($P(D)$) and with ($P(D)|I$) the information $I$.
$$
\begin{align*}
V(I) &= P(D)|I - P(D) \\
&= (10000) - (9000) \\
&= 1000
\end{align*}
$$
When forecasting, the payout of decisions is unknown,
thus
$$
\mathbb{E}\left[V(I)\right] = \mathbb{E}\left[P(D)\right] - \mathbb{E}\left[P(D)|I\right]
$$
### Expected Value of Perfect Information
Expected value of perfect information (EVPI)
is the price that one would be willing to pay
in order to gain access to perfect information.
> [!info] Perfect Information
> Perfect information is hypothetical information
> that would eliminate all uncertainty.
The perceived _value_ of decreased uncertainty
must be weighed against its _cost_.
## See Also
* [[sensitivity]]