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Bayesian hypothesis testing in latent variable models

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  • Li, Yong
  • Yu, Jun

Abstract

Hypothesis testing using Bayes factors (BFs) is known not to be well defined under the improper prior. In the context of latent variable models, an additional problem with BFs is that they are difficult to compute. In this paper, a new Bayesian method, based on the decision theory and the EM algorithm, is introduced to test a point hypothesis in latent variable models. The new statistic is a by-product of the Bayesian MCMC output and, hence, easy to compute. It is shown that the new statistic is appropriately defined under improper priors because the method employs a continuous loss function. In addition, it is easy to interpret. The method is illustrated using a one-factor asset pricing model and a stochastic volatility model with jumps.

Suggested Citation

  • Li, Yong & Yu, Jun, 2012. "Bayesian hypothesis testing in latent variable models," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 166(2), pages 237-246.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:econom:v:166:y:2012:i:2:p:237-246
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jeconom.2011.09.040
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    4. Yong Li & Xiaobin Liu & Jun Yu & Tao Zeng, 2018. "A New Wald Test for Hypothesis Testing Based on MCMC outputs," Papers 1801.00973, arXiv.org.
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    9. Jin-Yu Zhang & Yong Li & Zhu-Ming Chen, 2013. "Unit Root Hypothesis in the Presence of Stochastic Volatility, a Bayesian Analysis," Computational Economics, Springer;Society for Computational Economics, vol. 41(1), pages 89-100, January.
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    13. Li, Yong & Zeng, Tao & Yu, Jun, 2014. "A new approach to Bayesian hypothesis testing," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 178(P3), pages 602-612.
    14. Yong Li & Jun Yu, 2019. "An Improved Bayesian Unit Root Test in Stochastic Volatility Models," Annals of Economics and Finance, Society for AEF, vol. 20(1), pages 103-122, May.
    15. Yang, Qi & He, Haijin & Lu, Bin & Song, Xinyuan, 2022. "Mixture additive hazards cure model with latent variables: Application to corporate default data," Computational Statistics & Data Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 167(C).
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    17. Yijie Peng & Michael C. Fu & Jian-Qiang Hu, 2016. "Gradient-based simulated maximum likelihood estimation for stochastic volatility models using characteristic functions," Quantitative Finance, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 16(9), pages 1393-1411, September.
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    20. Yong Li & Zeng Tao & Jun Yu, "undated". "Robust Deviance Information Criterion for Latent Variable Models," Working Papers CoFie-04-2012, Singapore Management University, Sim Kee Boon Institute for Financial Economics.
    21. Pan, Qi & Li, Yong, 2013. "Testing volatility persistence on Markov switching stochastic volatility models," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 35(C), pages 45-50.
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    23. Li, Yong & Chong, Terence Tai-Leung & Zhang, Jie, 2012. "Testing for a unit root in the presence of stochastic volatility and leverage effect," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 29(5), pages 2035-2038.
    24. Zhang, Duo & Wang, Min, 2018. "Objective Bayesian inference for the intraclass correlation coefficient in linear models," Statistics & Probability Letters, Elsevier, vol. 137(C), pages 292-296.
    25. Jin-Yu Zhang & Zhong-Tian Chen & Yong Li, 2019. "Bayesian Testing for Leverage Effect in Stochastic Volatility Models," Computational Economics, Springer;Society for Computational Economics, vol. 53(3), pages 1153-1164, March.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Bayes factors; Kullback–Leibler divergence; Decision theory; EM algorithm; Markov chain Monte Carlo;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C11 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Bayesian Analysis: General
    • C12 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Hypothesis Testing: General
    • G12 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Asset Pricing; Trading Volume; Bond Interest Rates

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