What Do We Mean by Malmquist Bias?

Abstract

In this paper we review the two main approaches to the problem of Malmquist bias which have been adopted in the cosmology literature, and show how these two formulations of the problem represent fundamentally different views of the nature of probability. We discuss the assumptions upon which both approaches are based and indicate some of their limitations. In particular we identify a basic flaw in the definition of homogeneous and inhomogeneous Malmquist corrections as they have frequently been applied in the literature, and indicate how this flaw may be corrected. (Figures available on request).