I have a sequence of numbers generated by a programmed computer using pseudorandom functions. Is there a formula which will allow me to see how random this series is?
Here is my idea, are there any more elegant approaches?
- State the number of elements in the array (For example, array IsThisRandom(1,2,3) returns 3 for this).
- Record the lowest and the highest numbers returned by each (array IsThisRandom returns 1 and 3 for this).
- Compare the expected number of outcomes X for element in array Y: for IsThisRandom this returns 1, 1, and 1. This can be generalized by (total number of outcomes recorded in step 1)/something else, not sure what to call it.
EDIT: if i have an array of 1 element, for example 1Array(1) , there is no way to know whether it is actually random- does certainty about randomness increase with number of elements given?