Bayesian Statistical Inference

The theoretical importance of Bayesian inference if not its practical validity are generally acknowledged; but a reason for the lag in applications is that empirical researchers have lacked a grounding in the methodology. Iversen''s volume provides this introduction.After outlining the limitations of classical statistical inference the author proceeds through a simple example to explain Bayes'' theorem and how it may overcome these limitations. Typical Bayesian applications are shown together with the strengths and weaknesses of the Bayesian approach.An understanding of Bayesian inference places the hypothesis testing and confidence intervals used by classical statistical inference in clearer perspective. This monograph thus serves as a companion volume for Henkel''s Tests of Significance (QASS vol 4).