Abstract
Edge-exchangeable probabilistic network models generate edges as an i.i.d. sequence from a discrete measure, providing a simple means for statistical inference of latent network properties. The measure is often constructed using the self-product of a realization from a Bayesian nonparametric (BNP) discrete prior; but unlike in standard BNP models, the self-product measure prior is not conjugate the likelihood, hindering the development of exact simulation and inference algorithms. Approximation via finite truncation of the discrete measure is a straightforward alternative, but incurs an unknown approximation error. In this paper, we develop methods for forward simulation and posterior inference in random self-product-measure models based on truncation, and provide theoretical guarantees on the quality of the results as a function of the truncation level. The techniques we present are general and extend to the broader class of discrete Bayesian nonparametric models.
Funding Statement
This work is supported by a National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Discovery Grant and Discovery Launch Supplement.
Citation
Xinglong Li. Trevor Campbell. "Truncated simulation and inference in edge-exchangeable networks." Electron. J. Statist. 15 (2) 5117 - 5157, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1214/21-EJS1916
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