Bayesian Model Averaging

Overview

In this lecture we look at Bayesian model averaging and choice of prior distributions with a focus on g-priors or mixtures of g-priors.

Readings

Readings: Christensen Chapter 15 and Hoff Chapter 9

Review papers: Bayesian Model Averaging Hoeting et al (1999) Statistical Science

Model Uncertainty Clyde & George (2004) Statistical Science

Mixtures of g-priors for Bayesian Variable Selection Liang et al (2008) Journal of the American Statistical Association

In this lecture we look at model choice from a Bayesian perspective. We augment the likelihood and prior on parameters in the linear model using indicator variables that represent which variables are included in a model, which allows positive probability that the coefficients are exactly zero. Using the Jeffreys-Zellner’s g-prior for parameters in a model we derive closed form expressions for Bayes factors that are used in posterior probabilities. To resolve problems with the choice of $g$ we turn to mixtures of $g$ priors, such as the Cauchy distribution.

The slides bma.Rnw are in Rnw format with embedded R code (alternative to Rmarkdown). To run download the LaTex macros and save to the same directory.