Model selection in the space of Gaussian models invariant by symmetry

Abstract

We consider multivariate centered Gaussian models for the random variable Z=(Z1,…,Zp), invariant under the action of a subgroup of the group of permutations on {1,…,p}. Using the representation theory of the symmetric group on the field of reals, we derive the distribution of the maximum likelihood estimate of the covariance parameter Σ and also the analytic expression of the normalizing constant of the Diaconis–Ylvisaker conjugate prior for the precision parameter K=Σ−1. We can thus perform Bayesian model selection in the class of complete Gaussian models invariant by the action of a subgroup of the symmetric group, which we could also call complete RCOP models. We illustrate our results with a toy example of dimension 4 and several examples for selection within cyclic groups, including a high- dimensional example with p=100.