This book offers researchers a systematic and accessible introduction to using a Bayesian framework in structural equation modeling (SEM). Stand-alone chapters on each SEM model clearly explain the Bayesian form of the model and walk the reader through implementation. Engaging worked-through examples from diverse social science subfields illustrate the various modeling techniques, highlighting statistical or estimation problems that are likely to arise and describing potential solutions. For each model, instructions are provided for writing up findings for publication, including annotated sample data analysis plans and results sections. Other user-friendly features in every chapter include "Major Take-Home Points," notation glossaries, annotated suggestions for further reading, and sample code in both Mplus and R. The companion website (www.guilford.com/depaoli-materials) supplies data sets; annotated code for implementation in both Mplus and R, so that users can work within their preferred platform; and output for all of the book’s examples.

It has been proposed that the brain works in a Bayesian manner, and based on the free-energy principle, the brain's main function is to reduce environmental uncertainty; this is a proposed model as a universal principle governing adaptive brain function and structure. There are many pathophysiological, and clinical observations that can be easily explained by predictive Bayesian brain models. However, the novel applications of Bayesian models in translational neuroscience has been understudied and underreported. For example, variational Bayesian mixed-effects inference has been successfully tested for classification studies. A multi-task Bayesian compressive sensing approach to simultaneously estimate the full posterior of the CSA-ODF and diffusion-weighted volumes from multi-shell HARDI acquisitions has been recently publishe

We consider the problem of producing non-informative prior distributions for Bayesian analysis. The definition of non-informative adopted here is based on maximizing an intuitively appealing information measure derived from Shannon information theory. Based on large-sample (asymptotic) considerations, we show how the resulting generally intractable optimization problem can be significantly simplified. This differs from the authors' previous work on non-informative priors, which considered finite-samples and showed how a tractable suboptimal solution could be obtained. Reprints. (mjm).

An Update of the Most Popular Graduate-Level Introductions to Bayesian Statistics for Social ScientistsNow that Bayesian modeling has become standard, MCMC is well understood and trusted, and computing power continues to increase, Bayesian Methods: A Social and Behavioral Sciences Approach, Third Edition focuses more on implementation details of th

Master Bayesian Inference through Practical Examples and Computation–Without Advanced Mathematical Analysis Bayesian methods of inference are deeply natural and extremely powerful. However, most discussions of Bayesian inference rely on intensely complex mathematical analyses and artificial examples, making it inaccessible to anyone without a strong mathematical background. Now, though, Cameron Davidson-Pilon introduces Bayesian inference from a computational perspective, bridging theory to practice–freeing you to get results using computing power. Bayesian Methods for Hackers illuminates Bayesian inference through probabilistic programming with the powerful PyMC language and the closely related Python tools NumPy, SciPy, and Matplotlib. Using this approach, you can reach effective solutions in small increments, without extensive mathematical intervention. Davidson-Pilon begins by introducing the concepts underlying Bayesian inference, comparing it with other techniques and guiding you through building and training your first Bayesian model. Next, he introduces PyMC through a series of detailed examples and intuitive explanations that have been refined after extensive user feedback. You’ll learn how to use the Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithm, choose appropriate sample sizes and priors, work with loss functions, and apply Bayesian inference in domains ranging from finance to marketing. Once you’ve mastered these techniques, you’ll constantly turn to this guide for the working PyMC code you need to jumpstart future projects. Coverage includes • Learning the Bayesian “state of mind” and its practical implications • Understanding how computers perform Bayesian inference • Using the PyMC Python library to program Bayesian analyses • Building and debugging models with PyMC • Testing your model’s “goodness of fit” • Opening the “black box” of the Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithm to see how and why it works • Leveraging the power of the “Law of Large Numbers” • Mastering key concepts, such as clustering, convergence, autocorrelation, and thinning • Using loss functions to measure an estimate’s weaknesses based on your goals and desired outcomes • Selecting appropriate priors and understanding how their influence changes with dataset size • Overcoming the “exploration versus exploitation” dilemma: deciding when “pretty good” is good enough • Using Bayesian inference to improve A/B testing • Solving data science problems when only small amounts of data are available Cameron Davidson-Pilon has worked in many areas of applied mathematics, from the evolutionary dynamics of genes and diseases to stochastic modeling of financial prices. His contributions to the open source community include lifelines, an implementation of survival analysis in Python. Educated at the University of Waterloo and at the Independent University of Moscow, he currently works with the online commerce leader Shopify.

Using WinBUGS to implement Bayesian inferences of estimation and testing hypotheses, Bayesian Methods for Measures of Agreement presents useful methods for the design and analysis of agreement studies. It focuses on agreement among the various players in the diagnostic process.The author employs a Bayesian approach to provide statistical inferences

Bayesian Inference: Observations and Applications discusses standard Bayesian inference, in which a-priori distributions are standard probability distributions. In some cases, however, a more general form of a-priori distributions (fuzzy a-priori densities) is suitable to model a-priori information. The combination of fuzziness and stochastic uncertainty calls for a generalization of Bayesian inference, i.e. fuzzy Bayesian inference. The authors explain how Bayes theorem may be generalized to handle this situation. Next, they present a decision analytic framework for completing selection of optimal parameters for machining process definition. In addition, a discussion section on the subjects of inference, experimental design, and risk aversion is included. The concluding review focuses on the sparse Bayesian methods from their model specifications, interference algorithms, and applications in sensor array signal processing. Sparse and structured sparse Bayesian methods formulate problems in a probabilistic manner by constructing a hierarchical model, allowing for the obtainment of flexible modeling capability and statistical information. (Bayesian Inference: Observations and Applications discusses standard Bayesian inference, in which a-priori distributions are standard probability distributions. In some cases, however, a more general form of a-priori distributions (fuzzy a-priori densities) is suitable to model a-priori information. The combination of fuzziness and stochastic uncertainty calls for a generalization of Bayesian inference, i.e. fuzzy Bayesian inference. The authors explain how Bayes theorem may be generalized to handle this situation. Next, they present a decision analytic framework for completing selection of optimal parameters for machining process definition. In addition, a discussion section on the subjects of inference, experimental design, and risk aversion is included. The concluding review focuses on the sparse Bayesian methods from their model specifications, interference algorithms, and applications in sensor array signal processing. Sparse and structured sparse Bayesian methods formulate problems in a probabilistic manner by constructing a hierarchical model, allowing for the obtainment of flexible modeling capability and statistical information.

Requiring only a basic working knowledge of linear algebra and calculus, this text is one of the few to offer a graduate-level introduction to Bayesian statistics for social scientists. This second edition updates such topics as MCMC algorithms, perfect sampling, and Bayesian nonparametrics. It also includes various examples and exercise problems.