Projects

Students will work in groups of three to carry out projects involving application of Bayesian methods to problems of their own choosing. Some examples are:

• Carry out a complete Bayesian analysis of a real dataset. This might involve:
  • description of the research question and dataset
  • specifying an appropriate Bayesian model
  • determining appropriate values for prior parameters
  • fitting the model using WinBUGS
  • checking convergence
  • analyzing the output using BOA
  • reporting and interpreting the results
• Compare different methods of fitting the same model to the same dataset
  • normal approximations
  • MCMC
  • other simulation methods
  • analytical computation (if feasible)
  • etc.
• Carry out a Bayesian analysis of a dataset for which a classical analysis has been reported in a journal. Compare and contrast the results obtained by the two approaches.
• Fit a Bayesian model to a dataset using several different choices of prior (hyperparameters and/or functional form). Discuss the meaning of the different results, and the robustness of the model to prior specifications.
• Fit several different plausible Bayesian models to the same dataset. Carry out a check of model adequacy and model fit. Discuss the results.
• There are endless other possibilities. Find something that interests you,or see me for ideas.

I will expect more sophisticated projects from graduate students.

Projects will be carried out in three phases. Please meet with me at least once while you are working on each phase.

• Project proposal (due 10/30)

  This is a detailed description of what you plan to do, including question(s) to be addressed, dataset to be used, methods to be applied. Also specify the method of presentation that you intend for the final project. (See below.)

• Project interim report (due 11/15)

  This informal report will indicate that your project is ``on track." All computing should be done at this time. The report will include results obtained thus far and a brief summary (hand-written is O.K.) of what they mean and what remains to be done. In addition, the report will include a list of the tasks performed by each member of the project team.

• Project presentation (papers or presentation materials must be posted or submitted by 12/04)

  Projects must be finalized in a form that can be shared with the entire class, such as:

  • posting a document on the course web page
  • preparing a poster
  • giving an oral presentation with overheads, slides, or computer images

  Posters and oral presentations will be given in class during the final week of classes.