Bayesian inference for an ordered multiple linear regression with skew normal errors

Abstract

This paper studies a Bayesian ordered multiple linear regression model with skew normal error. It is reasonable that the kind of inherent information available in an applied regression requires some constraints on the coefficients to be estimated. In addition, the assumption of normality of the errors is sometimes not appropriate in the real data. Therefore, to explain such situations more flexibly, we use the skew-normal distribution given by Sahu et al. (The Canadian Journal of Statistics, 31, 129-150, 2003) for error-terms including normal distribution. For Bayesian methodology, the Markov chain Monte Carlo method is employed to resolve complicated integration problems. Also, under the improper priors, the propriety of the associated posterior density is shown. Our Bayesian proposed model is applied to NZAPB’s apple data. For model comparison between the skew normal error model and the normal error model, we use the Bayes factor and deviance information criterion given by Spiegelhalter et al. (Journal of the Royal Statistical Society Series B (Statistical Methodology), 64, 583-639, 2002). We also consider the problem of detecting an influential point concerning skewness using Bayes factors. Finally, concluding remarks are discussed.