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Robust Semiparametric Inference for Bayesian Additive Regression Trees

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  • Christoph Breunig
  • Ruixuan Liu
  • Zhengfei Yu

Abstract

We develop a semiparametric framework for inference on the mean response in missing-data settings using a corrected posterior distribution. Our approach is tailored to Bayesian Additive Regression Trees (BART), which is a powerful predictive method but whose nonsmoothness complicate asymptotic theory with multi-dimensional covariates. When using BART combined with Bayesian bootstrap weights, we establish a new Bernstein-von Mises theorem and show that the limit distribution generally contains a bias term. To address this, we introduce RoBART, a posterior bias-correction that robustifies BART for valid inference on the mean response. Monte Carlo studies support our theory, demonstrating reduced bias and improved coverage relative to existing procedures using BART.

Suggested Citation

  • Christoph Breunig & Ruixuan Liu & Zhengfei Yu, 2025. "Robust Semiparametric Inference for Bayesian Additive Regression Trees," Papers 2509.24634, arXiv.org, revised Oct 2025.
    • Handle: RePEc:arx:papers:2509.24634
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    References listed on IDEAS

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