Usage of the term "potentials" in discussion of Markov random fields

[sivark]

I have a comment regarding the following equation here
$$\tilde p(A,B,C,D) = \phi(A,B)\phi(B,C)\phi(C,D)\phi(D,A), $$
and the rest of the section where $\phi()$ are referred to as "potentials".

In the language of physics, the potential would refer to the the log likelihood, since potentials add when different probability factors multiply (just like the energies of different non-interacting subsystems add up).

It's possible that the jargon got scrambled when moving from one community to another. If the document's usage is consistent with conventions in the field, then it might be worth adding a clarifying footnote where $\phi$ is introduced.

[ermonste]

Good point.

[kuleshov]

I think "factor" is the right term to use here, and this was a typo. I see that Stefano just did the update.

[sivark]

Thanks for the great resource. It's an enjoyable read.