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Bayesian parameter estimation for discrete data spectra

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2017

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Main Author: Wang, Li
Other Authors: Eggers, H. C.
Format: Thesis
Language:en_ZA
Published: Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University 2017
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access_status_str Open Access
author Wang, Li
author2 Eggers, H. C.
author_browse Eggers, H. C.
Wang, Li
author_facet Eggers, H. C.
Wang, Li
author_sort Wang, Li
collection Thesis
dc_rights_str_mv Stellenbosch University
description Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2017
format Thesis
id oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/102822
institution Stellenbosch University (South Africa)
language en_ZA
last_indexed 2026-06-10T12:44:33.029Z
license_str Other — see source repository
provenance_str_mv Harvested via OAI-PMH from SUNScholar — Stellenbosch University Repository
publishDate 2017
publishDateRange 2017
publishDateSort 2017
publisher Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
publisherStr Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
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source_str SUNScholar — Stellenbosch University Repository
spelling oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/102822 Bayesian parameter estimation for discrete data spectra Wang, Li Eggers, H. C. Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Science. Dept. of Physics. UCTD Bayesian inference Discrete spectrum Poisson distribution Physics -- Data analysis Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2017 ENGLISH ABSTRACT : Discrete spectra are ubiquitous in physics; for example nuclear physics, laser physics and experimental high energy physics measure integer counts in the form of particles in dependence of angle, wavelength, energy etc. Bayesian parameter estimation ( tting a function with free parameters to the data) is a sophisticated framework which can handle cases of sparse data as well as input of pertinent background information into the data analysis in the form of a prior probability. Bayesian comparison of competing models and functions takes into account all possible parameter values rather than just the best t values. We rst review the general statistical basis of data analysis, focusing in particular on the Poisson, Negative Binomial and associated distributions. After introducing the conceptual shift and basic relations of the Bayesian approach, we show how these distributions can be combined with arbitrary model functions and data counts to yield two general discrete likelihoods. While we keep an eye on the asymptotic behaviour as useful analytical checks, we then introduce and review the theoretical basis for Markov Chain Monte Carlo numerical methods and show how these are applied in practice in the Metropolis-Hastings and Nested Sampling algorithms. We proceed to apply these to a number of simple situations based on simulation of a background plus two or three Gaussian peaks with both Poisson and Negative Binomial likelihoods, and discuss how to select models based on numerical outputs. AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING : Diskrete spektra is 'n algemene verskynsel in sika: kern sika, laser sika en eksperimentele hoë-energie sika meet byvoorbeeld heelgetalle in die vorm van deeltjies as 'n funksie van hoek, gol engte, energie ens. Bayesiese parameterberaming (die passing van 'n funksie met vrye parameters op die data) is 'n geso stikeerde raamwerk wat gevalle van lae tellings asook pertinente agtergrondinligting as inligting vir die data-analise in die vorm van prior-waarskynlikhede kan hanteer. Bayesiese vergelyking van kompeterende modelle en modelfunksies neem alle moontlike parameterwaardes in ag eerder as net die enkele beste waardes daarvan. Ons gee eerstens 'n oorsig van die algemene statistiese basis van dataanalise met 'n besondere fokus op die Poisson-, Negative Binomial- en verwante verdelings. Die konseptuele omwenteling wat Bayes impliseer en die basiese vergelykings word bespreek, waarna ons wys hoe hierdie verdelings met willekeurige modelfunksies en datatellings gekombineer kan word om twee algemene diskrete likelihood-waarskynlikhede te skep. Terwyl ons 'n oog hou op die asimptotiese gedrag as nuttige analitiese verwysings, gee ons daarna 'n inleiding tot en sit ons die teoretiese basis van Markovketting Monte Carlo numeriese metodes uiteen en wys hoe hulle in die vorm van die Metropolis-Hastings en Nested Sampling algoritmes toegepas word. Ons pas hierdie algoritmes op 'n aantal eenvoudige situasies gebaseer op simulasies van 'n agtergrond plus twee of drie Gaussiese pieke toe met sowel Poisson asook Negative Binomial waarskynlikhede, en bespreek hoe om modelle te kies gebaseer op numeriese uitsette. 2017-11-21T07:11:12Z 2017-12-11T10:58:44Z 2017-11-21T07:11:12Z 2017-12-11T10:58:44Z 2017-12 Thesis http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/102822 en_ZA Stellenbosch University ix, 82 pages : illustrations (some colour) application/pdf Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
spellingShingle UCTD
Bayesian inference
Discrete spectrum
Poisson distribution
Physics -- Data analysis
Wang, Li
Bayesian parameter estimation for discrete data spectra
title Bayesian parameter estimation for discrete data spectra
title_full Bayesian parameter estimation for discrete data spectra
title_fullStr Bayesian parameter estimation for discrete data spectra
title_full_unstemmed Bayesian parameter estimation for discrete data spectra
title_short Bayesian parameter estimation for discrete data spectra
title_sort bayesian parameter estimation for discrete data spectra
topic UCTD
Bayesian inference
Discrete spectrum
Poisson distribution
Physics -- Data analysis
url http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/102822
work_keys_str_mv AT wangli bayesianparameterestimationfordiscretedataspectra