The use of Bayesian statistics has grown significantly in recent years, and will undoubtedly continue to do so. Applied Bayesian Modelling is the follow-up to the author’s best selling book, Bayesian Statistical Modelling, and focuses on the potential applications of Bayesian techniques in a wide range of important topics in the social and health sciences. The applications are illustrated through many real-life examples and software implementation in WINBUGS – a popular software package that offers a simplified and flexible approach to statistical modelling. The book gives detailed explanations for each example – explaining fully the choice of model for each particular problem. The book

The book provides a good introduction to Bayesian modelling and data analysis for a wide range of people involved in applied statistical analysis, including researchers and students from statistics, and the health and social sciences. The wealth of examples makes this book an ideal reference for anyone involved in statistical modelling and analysis.

This book provides an accessible approach to Bayesian computing and data analysis, with an emphasis on the interpretation of real data sets. Following in the tradition of the successful first edition, this book aims to make a wide range of statistical modeling applications accessible using tested code that can be readily adapted to the reader's own applications. The second edition has been thoroughly reworked and updated to take account of advances in the field. A new set of worked examples is included. The novel aspect of the first edition was the coverage of statistical modeling using WinBUGS and OPENBUGS. This feature continues in the new edition along with examples using R to broaden appeal and for completeness of coverage.

Bayesian methods combine the evidence from the data at hand with previous quantitative knowledge to analyse practical problems in a wide range of areas. The calculations were previously complex, but it is now possible to routinely apply Bayesian methods due to advances in computing technology and the use of new sampling methods for estimating parameters. Such developments together with the availability of freeware such as WINBUGS and R have facilitated a rapid growth in the use of Bayesian methods, allowing their application in many scientific disciplines, including applied statistics, public health research, medical science, the social sciences and economics.

Following the success of the first edition, this reworked and updated book provides an accessible approach to Bayesian computing and analysis, with an emphasis on the principles of prior selection, identification and the interpretation of real data sets.

The second edition: Provides an integrated presentation of theory, examples, applications and computer algorithms.Discusses the role of Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods in computing and estimation.Includes a wide range of interdisciplinary applications, and a large selection of worked examples from the health and social sciences.Features a comprehensive range of methodologies and modelling techniques, and examines model fitting in practice using Bayesian principles.Provides exercises designed to help reinforce the reader's knowledge and a supplementary website containing data sets and relevant programs.

"Bayesian Statistical Modelling" is ideal for researchers in applied statistics, medical science, public health and the social sciences, who will benefit greatly from the examples and applications featured. The book will also appeal to graduate students of applied statistics, data analysis and Bayesian methods, and will provide a great source of reference for both researchers and students.

Praise for the First Edition:

"It is a remarkable achievement to have carried out such a range of analysis on such a range of data sets. I found this book comprehensive and stimulating, and was thoroughly impressed with both the depth and the range of the discussions it contains." - ISI - Short Book Reviews

"This is an excellent introductory book on Bayesian modelling techniques and data analysis" - Biometrics

"The book fills an important niche in the statistical literature and should be a very valuable resource for students and professionals who are utilizing Bayesian methods." - Journal of Mathematical Psychology

The use of Bayesian methods for the analysis of data has grown substantially in areas as diverse as applied statistics, psychology, economics and medical science. Bayesian Methods for Categorical Data sets out to demystify modern Bayesian methods, making them accessible to students and researchers alike. Emphasizing the use of statistical computing and applied data analysis, this book provides a comprehensive introduction to Bayesian methods of categorical outcomes.
* Reviews recent Bayesian methodology for categorical outcomes (binary, count and multinomial data).
* Considers missing data models techniques and non-standard models (ZIP and negative binomial).
* Evaluates time series and spatio-temporal models for discrete data.
* Features discussion of univariate and multivariate techniques.
* Provides a set of downloadable worked examples with documented WinBUGS code, available from an ftp site.
The author's previous 2 bestselling titles provided a comprehensive introduction to the theory and application of Bayesian models. Bayesian Models for Categorical Data continues to build upon this foundation by developing their application to categorical, or discrete data - one of the most common types of data available. The author's clear and logical approach makes the book accessible to a wide range of students and practitioners, including those dealing with categorical data in medicine, sociology, psychology and epidemiology.