Statistical inference and Monte Carlo algorithms

Markov Chain Monte Carlo for Statistical Inference

Monte Carlo Techniques for Bayesian Statistical Inference – A comparative review

In this article, we summariseMonte Carlo simulationmethods commonly used in Bayesian statistical computing. We give descriptions for each algorithm and provide R codes for their implementation via a simple 2-dimensional example. We compare the relative merits of these methods qualitatively by considering their general user-friendliness, and numerically in terms of mean squared error and computa...

Markov Chain Monte Carlo Methods for Statistical Inference

These notes provide an introduction to Markov chain Monte Carlo methods and their applications to both Bayesian and frequentist statistical inference. Such methods have revolutionized what can be achieved computationally, especially in the Bayesian paradigm. The account begins by discussing ordinary Monte Carlo methods: these have the same goals as the Markov chain versions but can only rarely ...

Backward Simulation Methods for Monte Carlo Statistical Inference

Monte Carlo methods, in particular those based on Markov chains and on interacting particle systems, are by now tools that are routinely used in machine learning. These methods have had a profound impact on statistical inference in a wide range of application areas where probabilistic models are used. Moreover, there are many algorithms in machine learning which are based on the idea of process...

Monte Carlo Algorithms for Optimal Stopping and Statistical Learning

We extend the Longstaff-Schwartz algorithm for approximately solving optimal stopping problems on high-dimensional state spaces. We reformulate the optimal stopping problem for Markov processes in discrete time as a generalized statistical learning problem. Within this setup we apply deviation inequalities for suprema of empirical processes to derive consistency criteria, and to estimate the co...