Just Another Gibbs Sampler (JAGS): Flexible Software for MCMC Implementation

A review of the software Just Another Gibbs Sampler (JAGS) is provided. We cover aspects related to history and development and the elements a user needs to know to get started with the program, including (a) definition of the data, (b) definition of the model, (c) compilation of the model, and (d)...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of educational and behavioral statistics 2016-12, Vol.41 (6), p.628-649
Main Authors: Depaoli, Sarah, Clifton, James P., Cobb, Patrice R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Achievement Tests
Algorithms
Bayesian analysis
Bayesian inference
Bayesian Statistics
Computer Software
Data
Data models
Directed acyclic graphs
Educational tests & measurements
Gibbs Sampling
Information retrieval
International Assessment
Markov chains
Markov Processes
Monte Carlo Methods
Multilevel models
Program for International Student Assessment
Secondary School Students
Software applications
Software bugs
Software Review
Statistical Inference
United States
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Summary:A review of the software Just Another Gibbs Sampler (JAGS) is provided. We cover aspects related to history and development and the elements a user needs to know to get started with the program, including (a) definition of the data, (b) definition of the model, (c) compilation of the model, and (d) initialization of the model. An example using a latent class model with large-scale education data is provided to illustrate how easily JAGS can be implemented in R. We also cover details surrounding the many programs implementing JAGS. We conclude with a discussion of the newest features and upcoming developments. JAGS is constantly evolving and is developing into a flexible, user-friendly program with many benefits for Bayesian inference.
ISSN:1076-9986
1935-1054
DOI:10.3102/1076998616664876