Doing Bayesian Data Analysis

Chapter 2

IntroductionModels We Believe In

Contents

2.1 Models of Observations and Models of Beliefs

2.1.1 Prior and Posterior Beliefs

2.2 Three Goals for Inference from Data

2.2.1 Estimation of Parameter Values

2.2.2 Prediction of Data Values

2.2.3 Model Comparison

2.3 The R Programming Language

2.3.1 Getting and Installing R

2.3.2 Invoking R and Using the Command Line

2.3.3 A Simple Example of R in Action

2.3.4 Getting Help in R

2.3.5 Programming in R

2.4 Exercises

I just want someone who I can believe in,

Someone at home who will not leave me grievin’.

Show me a sign that you’ll always be true,

and I’ll be your model of faith and virtue.

Inferential statistical methods help us decide what to believe in. With inferential statistics, we don’t ...