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Bayesian Hypothesis Testing: Redux

Statistics Theory 2018-08-28 v1 Statistics Theory

Abstract

Bayesian hypothesis testing is re-examined from the perspective of an a priori assessment of the test statistic distribution under the alternative. By assessing the distribution of an observable test statistic, rather than prior parameter values, we provide a practical default Bayes factor which is straightforward to interpret. To illustrate our methodology, we provide examples where evidence for a Bayesian strikingly supports the null, but leads to rejection under a classical test. Finally, we conclude with directions for future research.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.1808.08491,
  title  = {Bayesian Hypothesis Testing: Redux},
  author = {Hedibert F. Lopes and Nicholas G. Polson},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1808.08491},
  year   = {2018}
}