Abstract
Motivated by the statistical evaluation of complex computer models, we deal with the issue of objective prior specification for the parameters of Gaussian processes. In particular, we derive the Jeffreys-rule, independence Jeffreys and reference priors for this situation, and prove that the resulting posterior distributions are proper under a quite general set of conditions. A proper flat prior strategy, based on maximum likelihood estimates, is also considered, and all priors are then compared on the grounds of the frequentist properties of the ensuing Bayesian procedures. Computational issues are also addressed in the paper, and we illustrate the proposed solutions by means of an example taken from the field of complex computer model validation.
Translated title of the contribution | Default priors for Gaussian processes |
---|---|
Original language | English |
Pages (from-to) | 556 - 582 |
Number of pages | 27 |
Journal | Annals of Statistics |
Volume | 33 (2) |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Apr 2005 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher: Institute of Mathematical StatisticsOther identifier: IDS Number: 936KM