Efficient Bayesian inference for Gaussian copula regression models

Abstract

A Gaussian copula regression model gives a tractable way of handling a multivariate regression when some of the marginal distributions are non-Gaussian. Our paper presents a general Bayesian approach for estimating a Gaussian copula model that can handle any combination of discrete and continuous marginals, and generalises Gaussian graphical models to the Gaussian copula framework. Posterior inference is carried out using a novel and efficient simulation method. The methods in the paper are applied to simulated and real data. Copyright 2006, Oxford University Press.