Computing Bayes Factors Using a Generalization of the Savage-Dickey Density Ratio

Abstract

Abstract We present a simple method for computing Bayes factors. The method derives from observing that in general, a Bayes factor can be written as the product of a quantity called the Savage-Dickey density ratio and a correction factor; both terms are easily estimated from posterior simulation. In some cases it is possible to do these computations without ever evaluating the likelihood.