A Gentle Introduction to Bayesian Analysis: Applications to Developmental Research

TLDR

Bayesian statistical methods are increasingly popular in both applied and fundamental research. The study offers a gentle introduction to Bayesian analysis, demonstrating when Bayesian estimation is advantageous and how to properly interpret its results. The authors introduce Bayesian methods through a simplified example, discuss prior specification advantages and pitfalls, and illustrate the approach with studies on dynamic interactionism. The discussion reviews the pros and cons of Bayesian statistics and offers guidelines for reporting them.

Abstract

Bayesian statistical methods are becoming ever more popular in applied and fundamental research. In this study a gentle introduction to Bayesian analysis is provided. It is shown under what circumstances it is attractive to use Bayesian estimation, and how to interpret properly the results. First, the ingredients underlying Bayesian methods are introduced using a simplified example. Thereafter, the advantages and pitfalls of the specification of prior knowledge are discussed. To illustrate Bayesian methods explained in this study, in a second example a series of studies that examine the theoretical framework of dynamic interactionism are considered. In the Discussion the advantages and disadvantages of using Bayesian statistics are reviewed, and guidelines on how to report on Bayesian statistics are provided.