arXiv subjects

Stephen G. Walker

Publications and source records attributed to Stephen G. Walker.

60 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

arXiv2009

Quantile pyramids for Bayesian nonparametrics

Pólya trees fix partitions and use random probabilities in order to construct random probability measures. With quantile pyramids we instead fix probabilities and use random partitions. For nonparametric Bayesian inference we use a prior which supports piecewise linear quantile functions, based on the need to work with a finite set of partitions, yet we show that the limiting version of the prior exists. We also discuss and investigate an alternative model based on the so-called substitute likelihood. Both approaches factorize in a convenient way leading to relatively straightforward analysis via MCMC, since analytic summaries of posterior distributions are too complicated. We give conditions securing the existence of an absolute continuous quantile process, and discuss consistency and approximate normality for the sequence of posterior distributions. Illustrations are included.

math.ST↗

arXiv2009

A Gibbs Sampling Alternative to Reversible Jump MCMC

This note presents a simple and elegant sampler which could be used as an alternative to the reversible jump MCMC methodology.

stat.CO↗

arXiv2008

Bayesian nonparametric estimators derived from conditional Gibbs structures

We consider discrete nonparametric priors which induce Gibbs-type exchangeable random partitions and investigate their posterior behavior in detail. In particular, we deduce conditional distributions and the corresponding Bayesian nonparametric estimators, which can be readily exploited for predicting various features of additional samples. The results provide useful tools for genomic applications where prediction of future outcomes is required.

math.PR↗

arXiv2007

On rates of convergence for posterior distributions in infinite-dimensional models

This paper introduces a new approach to the study of rates of convergence for posterior distributions. It is a natural extension of a recent approach to the study of Bayesian consistency. In particular, we improve on current rates of convergence for models including the mixture of Dirichlet process model and the random Bernstein polynomial model.

math.ST↗

arXiv2007

A Fleming--Viot process and Bayesian nonparametrics

This paper provides a construction of a Fleming--Viot measure valued diffusion process, for which the transition function is known, by extending recent ideas of the Gibbs sampler based Markov processes. In particular, we concentrate on the Chapman--Kolmogorov consistency conditions which allows a simple derivation of such a Fleming--Viot process, once a key and apparently new combinatorial result for Pólya-urn sequences has been established.

math.PR↗

arXiv2005

Normalized random measures driven by increasing additive processes

This paper introduces and studies a new class of nonparametric prior distributions. Random probability distribution functions are constructed via normalization of random measures driven by increasing additive processes. In particular, we present results for the distribution of means under both prior and posterior conditions and, via the use of strategic latent variables, undertake a full Bayesian analysis. Our class of priors includes the well-known and widely used mixture of a Dirichlet process.

math.ST↗