Metropolis-Hastings Algorithms for DSGE Models

Author(s):  
Edward P. Herbst ◽  
Frank Schorfheide

This chapter talks about the most widely used method to generate draws from posterior distributions of a DSGE model: the random walk MH (RWMH) algorithm. The DSGE model likelihood function in combination with the prior distribution leads to a posterior distribution that has a fairly regular elliptical shape. In turn, the draws from a simple RWMH algorithm can be used to obtain an accurate numerical approximation of posterior moments. However, in many other applications, particularly those involving medium- and large-scale DSGE models, the posterior distributions could be very non-elliptical. Irregularly shaped posterior distributions are often caused by identification problems or misspecification. In lieu of the difficulties caused by irregularly shaped posterior surfaces, the chapter reviews various alternative MH samplers, which use alternative proposal distributions.

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 413-422
Author(s):  
Nur Azizah ◽  
Sugito Sugito ◽  
Hasbi Yasin

Hospital service facilities cannot be separated from queuing events. Queues are an unavoidable part of life, but they can be minimized with a good system. The purpose of this study was to find out how the queuing system at Dr. Kariadi. Bayesian method is used to combine previous research and this research in order to obtain new information. The sample distribution and prior distribution obtained from previous studies are combined with the sample likelihood function to obtain a posterior distribution. After calculating the posterior distribution, it was found that the queuing model in the outpatient installation at Dr. Kariadi Semarang is (G/G/c): (GD/∞/∞) where each polyclinic has met steady state conditions and the level of busyness is greater than the unemployment rate so that the queuing system at Dr. Kariadi is categorized as good, except in internal medicine poly. 


2004 ◽  
Vol 34 (01) ◽  
pp. 113-124
Author(s):  
Riccardo Gatto

In the Bayesian approach, the experience rated premium is the value which minimizes an expected loss with respect to a posterior distribution. The posterior distribution is conditioned on the claim experience of the risk insured, represented by a n-tuple of observations. An exact analytical calculation for the experience rated premium is possible under restrictive circumstances only, regarding the prior distribution, the likelihood function, and the loss function. In this article we provide an analytical asymptotic approximation as n → ∞ for the experience rated premium. This approximation can be obtained under more general circumstances, it is simple to compute, and it inherits the good accuracy of the Laplace approximation on which it is based. In contrast with numerical methods, this approximation allows for analytical interpretations. When exact calculations are possible, some analytical comparisons confirm the good accuracy of this approximation, which can even lead to the exact experience rated premium.


2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rose D. Baker ◽  
Ian G. McHale

The concept of shrinking bet size in Kelly betting to minimize estimated frequentist risk has recently been mooted. This rescaling appears to conflict with Bayesian decision theory through the likelihood principle and the complete class theorem; the Bayesian solution should already be optimal. We show theoretically and through examples that when the modeldetermining the likelihood function is correct, the prior distribution (if not dominated by data) is `correct' in a frequentist sense, and the posterior distribution is proper, then no further rescaling is required. However, if the model or the prior distribution is incorrect, or the posterior distribution improper, frequentist risk minimization can be a useful technique. We discuss how it might best be exploited. Another example, from maintenance, is used to show the wider applicability of the methodology; these conclusionsapply generally to decision-making.


2004 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 113-124
Author(s):  
Riccardo Gatto

In the Bayesian approach, the experience rated premium is the value which minimizes an expected loss with respect to a posterior distribution. The posterior distribution is conditioned on the claim experience of the risk insured, represented by a n-tuple of observations. An exact analytical calculation for the experience rated premium is possible under restrictive circumstances only, regarding the prior distribution, the likelihood function, and the loss function. In this article we provide an analytical asymptotic approximation as n → ∞ for the experience rated premium. This approximation can be obtained under more general circumstances, it is simple to compute, and it inherits the good accuracy of the Laplace approximation on which it is based. In contrast with numerical methods, this approximation allows for analytical interpretations. When exact calculations are possible, some analytical comparisons confirm the good accuracy of this approximation, which can even lead to the exact experience rated premium.


Author(s):  
Frank E. Harrell ◽  
Ya-Chen Tina Shih

The objective of this paper is to illustrate the advantages of the Bayesian approach in quantifying, presenting, and reporting scientific evidence and in assisting decision making. Three basic components in the Bayesian framework are the prior distribution, likelihood function, and posterior distribution. The prior distribution describes analysts' belief a priori; the likelihood function captures how data modify the prior knowledge; and the posterior distribution synthesizes both prior and likelihood information. The Bayesian approach treats the parameters of interest as random variables, uses the entire posterior distribution to quantify the evidence, and reports evidence in a “probabilistic” manner. Two clinical examples are used to demonstrate the value of the Bayesian approach to decision makers. Using either an uninformative or a skeptical prior distribution, these examples show that the Bayesian methods allow calculations of probabilities that are usually of more interest to decision makers, e.g., the probability that treatment A is similar to treatment B, the probability that treatment A is at least 5% better than treatment B, and the probability that treatment A is not within the “similarity region” of treatment B, etc. In addition, the Bayesian approach can deal with multiple endpoints more easily than the classic approach. For example, if decision makers wish to examine mortality and cost jointly, the Bayesian method can report the probability that a treatment achieves at least 2% mortality reduction and less than $20,000 increase in costs. In conclusion, probabilities computed from the Bayesian approach provide more relevant information to decision makers and are easier to interpret.


2014 ◽  
Vol 543-547 ◽  
pp. 2167-2170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiang Wu ◽  
Dong Wang

The prior distribution of the incidence of crime is based on a large-scale of criminals' investigation of historical data on their psychology problems and the new sample data is based on the measured people's sampled data of investigation on their psychological problems. The incidence of crime of the measured people is the posterior distribution of the measured that need to be predicted. With the application of Bayesian statistical methods we could compute the incidence of the crime of the measured and provide a basis for us to judge whether the suspect is a criminal. The paper has verified the feasibility of the method and pointed out its limitations and applied condition.


2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (4.30) ◽  
pp. 64
Author(s):  
Supar Man ◽  
Mohd Saifullah Rusiman

The autoregressive model is a mathematical model that is often used to model data in different areas of life. If the autoregressive model is matched against the data then the order and coefficients of the autoregressive model are unknown. This paper aims to estimate the order and coefficients of an autoregressive model based on data. The hierarchical Bayesian approach is used to estimate the order and coefficients of the autoregressive model. In the hierarchical Bayesian approach, the order and coefficients of the autoregressive model are assumed to have a prior distribution. The prior distribution is combined with the likelihood function to obtain a posterior distribution. The posterior distribution has a complex shape so that the Bayesian estimator is not analytically determined. The reversible jump Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm is proposed to obtain the Bayesian estimator. The performance of the algorithm is tested by using simulated data. The test results show that the algorithm can estimate the order and coefficients of the autoregressive model very well. Research can be further developed by comparing with other existing methods.


Author(s):  
Edward P. Herbst ◽  
Frank Schorfheide

Dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) models have become one of the workhorses of modern macroeconomics and are extensively used for academic research as well as forecasting and policy analysis at central banks. This book introduces readers to state-of-the-art computational techniques used in the Bayesian analysis of DSGE models. The book covers Markov chain Monte Carlo techniques for linearized DSGE models, novel sequential Monte Carlo methods that can be used for parameter inference, and the estimation of nonlinear DSGE models based on particle filter approximations of the likelihood function. The theoretical foundations of the algorithms are discussed in depth, and detailed empirical applications and numerical illustrations are provided. The book also gives invaluable advice on how to tailor these algorithms to specific applications and assess the accuracy and reliability of the computations. The book is essential reading for graduate students, academic researchers, and practitioners at policy institutions.


1994 ◽  
Vol 10 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 609-632 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Geweke

This paper takes up Bayesian inference in a general trend stationary model for macroeconomic time series with independent Student-t disturbances. The model is linear in the data, but nonlinear in parameters. An informative but nonconjugate family of prior distributions for the parameters is introduced, indexed by a single parameter that can be readily elicited. The main technical contribution is the construction of posterior moments, densities, and odd ratios by using a six-step Gibbs sampler. Mappings from the index parameter of the family of prior distribution to posterior moments, densities, and odds ratios are developed for several of the Nelson–Plosser time series. These mappings show that the posterior distribution is not even approximately Gaussian, and they indicate the sensitivity of the posterior odds ratio in favor of difference stationarity to the choice of the prior distribution.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrzej Kijko

This work is focused on the Bayesian procedure for the estimation of the regional maximum possible earthquake magnitude <em>m</em><sub>max</sub>. The paper briefly discusses the currently used Bayesian procedure for m<sub>max</sub>, as developed by Cornell, and a statistically justifiable alternative approach is suggested. The fundamental problem in the application of the current Bayesian formalism for <em>m</em><sub>max</sub> estimation is that one of the components of the posterior distribution is the sample likelihood function, for which the range of observations (earthquake magnitudes) depends on the unknown parameter <em>m</em><sub>max</sub>. This dependence violates the property of regularity of the maximum likelihood function. The resulting likelihood function, therefore, reaches its maximum at the maximum observed earthquake magnitude <em>m</em><sup>obs</sup><sub>max</sub> and not at the required maximum <em>possible</em> magnitude <em>m</em><sub>max</sub>. Since the sample likelihood function is a key component of the posterior distribution, the posterior estimate of <em>m^</em><sub>max</sub> is biased. The degree of the bias and its sign depend on the applied Bayesian estimator, the quantity of information provided by the prior distribution, and the sample likelihood function. It has been shown that if the maximum posterior estimate is used, the bias is negative and the resulting underestimation of <em>m</em><sub>max</sub> can be as big as 0.5 units of magnitude. This study explores only the maximum posterior estimate of <em>m</em><sub>max</sub>, which is conceptionally close to the classic maximum likelihood estimation. However, conclusions regarding the shortfall of the current Bayesian procedure are applicable to all Bayesian estimators, <em>e.g.</em> posterior mean and posterior median. A simple, <em>ad hoc</em> solution of this non-regular maximum likelihood problem is also presented.


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