How to generate binomial data with set probability and covariation

Hello Everybody,

Im having a question regarding a data simulation problem that Im having. I have neuronal network data where each neuron has a set firing probability per event (for instance p1 = 0.2 but p2 = 0.3). In addition some neurons are more likely to fire together then others so they have a set correlation or covariation. How can I generate random events where the results will (loosely) fit the previously observed propability distribution and covariation matrix?

I see that mvnrnd can generate such data with a normal distribution but I need binomial output (All-or-none firing). Does anybody know how to accomplish this? Really any suggestions will be helpfull!

Thank you in advance!

Answer 1

[Alberto]

You can generate values uniformily on [0,1], lets suppose you want to generate 100 random binomial numbers:

N=100;

x=rand(1,N);

lets suppose your 'success' probability es p=0.7:

p=0.7;

So, your binomial sample of 1 or 0 are:

bin= x>p;

But if you are interested in multivariates samples with a given correlation, you need copulas and copularnd command.