Penalizing complexity priors for Bayesian inference of circular models

Fuente: arXiv
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Main Authors: Ye, Xiang, Van Niekerk, Janet, Rue, Håvard
Format: Preprint
Published: 2025
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_version_ 1866913006030422016
author Ye, Xiang
Van Niekerk, Janet
Rue, Håvard
author_facet Ye, Xiang
Van Niekerk, Janet
Rue, Håvard
contents Advancements in computational power and methodologies have enabled research on massive datasets. However, tools for analyzing data with directional or periodic characteristics, such as wind directions and customers' arrival time in 24-hour clock, remain underdeveloped. While statisticians have proposed circular distributions for such analyses, significant challenges persist in constructing circular statistical models, particularly in the context of Bayesian methods. These challenges stem from limited theoretical development and a lack of historical studies on prior selection for circular distribution parameters. In this article, we propose a framework for selecting hyperpriors that contracts to a simpler model in circular scenarios, especially when there is insufficient information to guide prior selection. We introduce well-examined Penalized Complexity (PC) priors for the most widely used circular distributions. Comprehensive comparisons with existing hyperpriors in the literature are conducted through simulation studies and a practical case study. Finally, we discuss the contributions and implications of our work, providing a foundation for further advancements in constructing Bayesian circular statistical models.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2502_18223
institution arXiv
publishDate 2025
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Penalizing complexity priors for Bayesian inference of circular models
Ye, Xiang
Van Niekerk, Janet
Rue, Håvard
Methodology
Advancements in computational power and methodologies have enabled research on massive datasets. However, tools for analyzing data with directional or periodic characteristics, such as wind directions and customers' arrival time in 24-hour clock, remain underdeveloped. While statisticians have proposed circular distributions for such analyses, significant challenges persist in constructing circular statistical models, particularly in the context of Bayesian methods. These challenges stem from limited theoretical development and a lack of historical studies on prior selection for circular distribution parameters. In this article, we propose a framework for selecting hyperpriors that contracts to a simpler model in circular scenarios, especially when there is insufficient information to guide prior selection. We introduce well-examined Penalized Complexity (PC) priors for the most widely used circular distributions. Comprehensive comparisons with existing hyperpriors in the literature are conducted through simulation studies and a practical case study. Finally, we discuss the contributions and implications of our work, providing a foundation for further advancements in constructing Bayesian circular statistical models.
title Penalizing complexity priors for Bayesian inference of circular models
topic Methodology
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2502.18223