The Monte Carlo replica method: investigating the effects of non-linearity

Abstract

This paper presents an in-depth mathematical analysis of the Monte Carlo replica method, commonly used in global fitting studies within the high-energy physics theory field. For the first time, we offer a rigorous derivation of the parameter distributions resulting from this method, demonstrating that, while they align with Bayesian posteriors in linear models, they deviate in non-linear cases. We then numerically assess this discrepancy in a phenomenologically important context: fitting SMEFT Wilson coefficients. Our findings reveal that when non-linearity plays a significant role, the uncertainty estimates for key quantities differ between the two approaches.