Definition:Bayesian Inference/Belief-Based

Definition

Belief-based Bayesian inference is a method of Bayesian inference in which the prior distribution is based on a personal belief about how it is likely to be.

The precise nature of this prior probability distribution influences the posterior distribution.

Motivation

Many regard the use of a belief-based Bayesian inference as controversial.

The use of belief-based Bayesian inference is motivated on the grounds that the influence of any prior distribution becomes diluted in the posterior distribution by the impact of the data.

Also see

• Results about Bayesian inference can be found here.

Sources

• 1998: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (2nd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): Bayesian inference
• 2008: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (4th ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): Bayesian inference