Introduction to Bayesian Statistics

Learn the concepts and practical side of using the Bayesian approach to estimate likely event outcomes.

These lecture notes provide a rapid, accessible introduction to Bayesian statistical methods. The course covers the fundamental philosophy and principles of Bayesian inference, including the reasoning behind the prior/likelihood model construction synonymous with Bayesian methods, through to advanced topics such as nonparametrics, Gaussian processes and latent factor models. These advanced modelling techniques can easily be applied using computer code samples written in Python and Stan which are integrated into the main text. Importantly, the reader will learn methods for assessing model fit, and to choose between rival modelling approaches.

This book is a contemporary introduction to theory, methods and computation in Bayesian Analysis. It focuses on topics that have stood the test of time and emerging areas such as reference priors, objective Bayes testing, Bayesian model selection and wavelets. No other such book is available in the market.

A combination of the concepts subjective – or Bayesian – statistics and scientific computing, the book provides an integrated view across numerical linear algebra and computational statistics.

This book provides a quick but insightful introduction to Bayesian tracking and particle filtering for a person who has some background in probability and statistics and wishes to learn the basics of single-target tracking. It also introduces the reader to multiple target tracking by presenting useful approximate methods that are easy to implement compared to full-blown multiple target trackers.