Bayesian taut splines for estimating the number of modes

Fuente: arXiv
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Main Authors: Chacón, José E., Serrano, Javier Fernández
Format: Preprint
Published: 2023
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author Chacón, José E.
Serrano, Javier Fernández
author_facet Chacón, José E.
Serrano, Javier Fernández
contents The number of modes in a probability density function is representative of the complexity of a model and can also be viewed as the number of subpopulations. Despite its relevance, there has been limited research in this area. A novel approach to estimating the number of modes in the univariate setting is presented, focusing on prediction accuracy and inspired by some overlooked aspects of the problem: the need for structure in the solutions, the subjective and uncertain nature of modes, and the convenience of a holistic view that blends local and global density properties. The technique combines flexible kernel estimators and parsimonious compositional splines in the Bayesian inference paradigm, providing soft solutions and incorporating expert judgment. The procedure includes feature exploration, model selection, and mode testing, illustrated in a sports analytics case study showcasing multiple companion visualisation tools. A thorough simulation study also demonstrates that traditional modality-driven approaches paradoxically struggle to provide accurate results. In this context, the new method emerges as a top-tier alternative, offering innovative solutions for analysts.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2307_05825
institution arXiv
publishDate 2023
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Bayesian taut splines for estimating the number of modes
Chacón, José E.
Serrano, Javier Fernández
Methodology
Machine Learning
Statistics Theory
62G05 (Primary) 62G07, 62F15, 62C10, 62C86 (Secondary)
The number of modes in a probability density function is representative of the complexity of a model and can also be viewed as the number of subpopulations. Despite its relevance, there has been limited research in this area. A novel approach to estimating the number of modes in the univariate setting is presented, focusing on prediction accuracy and inspired by some overlooked aspects of the problem: the need for structure in the solutions, the subjective and uncertain nature of modes, and the convenience of a holistic view that blends local and global density properties. The technique combines flexible kernel estimators and parsimonious compositional splines in the Bayesian inference paradigm, providing soft solutions and incorporating expert judgment. The procedure includes feature exploration, model selection, and mode testing, illustrated in a sports analytics case study showcasing multiple companion visualisation tools. A thorough simulation study also demonstrates that traditional modality-driven approaches paradoxically struggle to provide accurate results. In this context, the new method emerges as a top-tier alternative, offering innovative solutions for analysts.
title Bayesian taut splines for estimating the number of modes
topic Methodology
Machine Learning
Statistics Theory
62G05 (Primary) 62G07, 62F15, 62C10, 62C86 (Secondary)
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2307.05825