Until the advent of powerful and accessible computing methods, the experimenter was often confronted with a difficult choice. Either describe an accurate model of a phenomenon, which would usually preclude the computation of explicit answers, or choose a standard model which would allow this computation, but may not be a close representation of a realistic model. This dilemma is present in many branches of statistical applications, for example in electrical engineering, aeronautics, biology, networks, and astronomy. Markov chain Monte Carlo methods have been developed to provide realistic models.

Bayesian Core

by Jean-Michel Marin and Christian P. Robert

Published 4 December 2007
This Bayesian modeling book is intended for practitioners and applied statisticians looking for a self-contained entry to computational Bayesian statistics. Focusing on standard statistical models and backed up by discussed real datasets available from the book website, it provides an operational methodology for conducting Bayesian inference, rather than focusing on its theoretical justifications. Special attention is paid to the derivation of prior distributions in each case and specific reference solutions are given for each of the models. Similarly, computational details are worked out to lead the reader towards an effective programming of the methods given in the book.

This Bayesian modeling book is intended for practitioners and applied statisticians looking for a self-contained entry to computational Bayesian statistics. Focusing on standard statistical models and backed up by discussed real datasets available from the book website, it provides an operational methodology for conducting Bayesian inference, rather than focusing on its theoretical justifications. Special attention is paid to the derivation of prior distributions in each case and specific reference solutions are given for each of the models. Similarly, computational details are worked out to lead the reader towards an effective programming of the methods given in the book.

The Bayesian Choice

by Christian Robert

Published 25 May 2001
This is an introduction to Bayesian statistics and decision theory, including advanced topics such as Monte Carlo methods. This new edition contains several revised chapters and a new chapter on model choice.

The Bayesian Choice

by Christian P. Robert

Published October 1994
This graduate-level textbook presents an introduction to Bayesian statistics and decision theory. Its scope covers both the basic ideas of statistical theory, and also some of the more modern and advanced topics of Bayesian statistics such as complete class theorems, the Stein effect, hierarchical and empirical Bayes modeling, Monte Carlo integration, and Gibbs sampling. It is the translation of a successful French text. In the translation to the English edition, the author has taken the opportunity to add and update material, and to include many problems and exercises for students. From reviews of the French edition: I strongly encourage everyone teaching Bayesian decision theory to use (this) as the main textbook. Journal of the American Statisical Association On the whole, the book serves its purpose admirably. Journal of the Royal Statistical Society