Sparse inverse covariance selection with mass-nonlocal priors

Music City Center 

To tackle the challenges of understanding complex multivariate relationships in high-dimensional settings, we develop a method for estimating the sparsity pattern of inverse covariance matrices. Our approach employs a generalized likelihood framework for scalable computation, integrating spike and slab priors with nonlocal slab components on the elements of the inverse covariance matrix. We implement the Bayesian model using an entry-wise Gibbs sampler and establish its theoretical consistency in high-dimensional settings under mild conditions. The practical utility of our method is demonstrated through extensive numerical studies and an application to neuropathy data analysis.

Bayesian inference

Graphical model selection

Nonlocal prior

Spike and slab prior 

Section on Bayesian Statistical Science