Probabilistic Integration: A Role in Statistical Computation?

Probabilistic numerical methods aim to model numerical error as a source of epistemic uncertainty that is subject to probabilistic analysis and reasoning, enabling the principled propagation of numerical uncertainty through a computational pipeline. In this paper we focus on numerical methods for integration. We present probabilistic (Bayesian) versions of both Markov chain and Quasi Monte Carlo methods for integration and provide rigorous theoretical guarantees for convergence rates, in both posterior mean and posterior contraction. The performance of probabilistic integrators is guaranteed to be no worse than non-probabilistic integrators and is, in many cases, asymptotically superior. These probabilistic integrators therefore enjoy the “best of both worlds”, leveraging the sampling efficiency of advanced Monte Carlo methods whilst being equipped with valid probabilistic models for uncertainty quantification. Several applications and illustrations are provided, including examples from computer vision and system modelling using non-linear differential equations. A survey of open challenges in probabilistic integration is provided.