
Bayesian Models
A Statistical Primer for Ecologists, 2nd Edition
Princeton University Press
Published on 3. June 2025
Book
Hardback
360 pages
978-0-691-25012-0 (ISBN)
Description
A fully updated and expanded edition of the essential primer on Bayesian modeling for ecologists
Uniquely suited to deal with complexity in a statistically coherent way, Bayesian modeling has become an indispensable tool for ecological research. This book teaches the basic principles of mathematics and statistics needed to apply Bayesian models to the analysis of ecological data, using language non-statisticians can understand. Deemphasizing computer coding in favor of a clear treatment of model building, it starts with a definition of probability and proceeds step-by-step through distribution theory, likelihood, simple Bayesian models, and hierarchical Bayesian models. Now revised and expanded, Bayesian Models enables students and practitioners to gain new insights from ecological models and data properly tempered by uncertainty.
Covers the basic rules of probability needed to model diverse types of ecological data in the Bayesian framework
Shows how to write proper mathematical expressions for posterior distributions using directed acyclic graphs as templates
Explains how to use the powerful Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm to find posterior distributions of model parameters, latent states, and missing data
Teaches how to check models to assure they meet the assumptions of model-based inference
Demonstrates how to make inferences from single and multiple Bayesian models
Provides worked problems for practicing and strengthening modeling skills
Features new chapters on spatial models and modeling missing data
Uniquely suited to deal with complexity in a statistically coherent way, Bayesian modeling has become an indispensable tool for ecological research. This book teaches the basic principles of mathematics and statistics needed to apply Bayesian models to the analysis of ecological data, using language non-statisticians can understand. Deemphasizing computer coding in favor of a clear treatment of model building, it starts with a definition of probability and proceeds step-by-step through distribution theory, likelihood, simple Bayesian models, and hierarchical Bayesian models. Now revised and expanded, Bayesian Models enables students and practitioners to gain new insights from ecological models and data properly tempered by uncertainty.
Covers the basic rules of probability needed to model diverse types of ecological data in the Bayesian framework
Shows how to write proper mathematical expressions for posterior distributions using directed acyclic graphs as templates
Explains how to use the powerful Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm to find posterior distributions of model parameters, latent states, and missing data
Teaches how to check models to assure they meet the assumptions of model-based inference
Demonstrates how to make inferences from single and multiple Bayesian models
Provides worked problems for practicing and strengthening modeling skills
Features new chapters on spatial models and modeling missing data
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New Jersey
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
College/higher education
Product notice
Trade binding
Illustrations
53 b/w illus. 6 tables.
Dimensions
Height: 239 mm
Width: 168 mm
Thickness: 27 mm
Weight
744 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-691-25012-0 (9780691250120)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
06/2025
NYU Press
€58.99
Available for download
Persons
N. Thompson Hobbs is senior research scientist at the Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory and professor emeritus in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability at Colorado State University. Mevin B. Hooten is professor in the Department of Statistics and Data Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin and a fellow of the American Statistical Association. His books include (with Trevor J. Hefley) Bringing Bayesian Models to Life.