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PyMC Bayesian Modeling

基于PyMC的贝叶斯建模

Overview

概述

PyMC is a Python library for Bayesian modeling and probabilistic programming. Build, fit, validate, and compare Bayesian models using PyMC's modern API (version 5.x+), including hierarchical models, MCMC sampling (NUTS), variational inference, and model comparison (LOO, WAIC).
PyMC是一个用于贝叶斯建模和概率编程的Python库。使用PyMC的现代API(5.x+版本)构建、拟合、验证和比较贝叶斯模型,包括分层模型、MCMC采样(NUTS)、变分推断以及模型比较(LOO、WAIC)。

When to Use This Skill

何时使用该技能

This skill should be used when:
  • Building Bayesian models (linear/logistic regression, hierarchical models, time series, etc.)
  • Performing MCMC sampling or variational inference
  • Conducting prior/posterior predictive checks
  • Diagnosing sampling issues (divergences, convergence, ESS)
  • Comparing multiple models using information criteria (LOO, WAIC)
  • Implementing uncertainty quantification through Bayesian methods
  • Working with hierarchical/multilevel data structures
  • Handling missing data or measurement error in a principled way
当出现以下场景时,应使用本技能:
  • 构建贝叶斯模型(线性/逻辑回归、分层模型、时间序列等)
  • 执行MCMC采样或变分推断
  • 进行先验/后验预测检查
  • 诊断采样问题(发散、收敛、ESS)
  • 使用信息准则(LOO、WAIC)比较多个模型
  • 通过贝叶斯方法实现不确定性量化
  • 处理分层/多级数据结构
  • 以规范方式处理缺失数据或测量误差

Standard Bayesian Workflow

标准贝叶斯工作流

Follow this workflow for building and validating Bayesian models:
遵循以下工作流构建和验证贝叶斯模型:

1. Data Preparation

1. 数据准备

python
import pymc as pm
import arviz as az
import numpy as np
python
import pymc as pm
import arviz as az
import numpy as np

Load and prepare data

Load and prepare data

X = ... # Predictors y = ... # Outcomes
X = ... # Predictors y = ... # Outcomes

Standardize predictors for better sampling

Standardize predictors for better sampling

X_mean = X.mean(axis=0) X_std = X.std(axis=0) X_scaled = (X - X_mean) / X_std

**Key practices:**
- Standardize continuous predictors (improves sampling efficiency)
- Center outcomes when possible
- Handle missing data explicitly (treat as parameters)
- Use named dimensions with `coords` for clarity
X_mean = X.mean(axis=0) X_std = X.std(axis=0) X_scaled = (X - X_mean) / X_std

**关键实践:**
- 标准化连续预测变量(提升采样效率)
- 尽可能对结果进行中心化处理
- 显式处理缺失数据(将其视为参数)
- 使用`coords`命名维度以提升清晰度

2. Model Building

2. 模型构建

python
coords = {
    'predictors': ['var1', 'var2', 'var3'],
    'obs_id': np.arange(len(y))
}

with pm.Model(coords=coords) as model:
    # Priors
    alpha = pm.Normal('alpha', mu=0, sigma=1)
    beta = pm.Normal('beta', mu=0, sigma=1, dims='predictors')
    sigma = pm.HalfNormal('sigma', sigma=1)

    # Linear predictor
    mu = alpha + pm.math.dot(X_scaled, beta)

    # Likelihood
    y_obs = pm.Normal('y_obs', mu=mu, sigma=sigma, observed=y, dims='obs_id')
Key practices:
  • Use weakly informative priors (not flat priors)
  • Use
    HalfNormal
    or
    Exponential
    for scale parameters
  • Use named dimensions (
    dims
    ) instead of
    shape
    when possible
  • Use
    pm.Data()
    for values that will be updated for predictions
python
coords = {
    'predictors': ['var1', 'var2', 'var3'],
    'obs_id': np.arange(len(y))
}

with pm.Model(coords=coords) as model:
    # Priors
    alpha = pm.Normal('alpha', mu=0, sigma=1)
    beta = pm.Normal('beta', mu=0, sigma=1, dims='predictors')
    sigma = pm.HalfNormal('sigma', sigma=1)

    # Linear predictor
    mu = alpha + pm.math.dot(X_scaled, beta)

    # Likelihood
    y_obs = pm.Normal('y_obs', mu=mu, sigma=sigma, observed=y, dims='obs_id')
关键实践:
  • 使用弱信息先验(而非平坦先验)
  • 对尺度参数使用
    HalfNormal
    Exponential
  • 尽可能使用命名维度(
    dims
    )而非
    shape
  • 对需要更新以进行预测的值使用
    pm.Data()

3. Prior Predictive Check

3. 先验预测检查

Always validate priors before fitting:
python
with model:
    prior_pred = pm.sample_prior_predictive(samples=1000, random_seed=42)
拟合前务必验证先验:
python
with model:
    prior_pred = pm.sample_prior_predictive(samples=1000, random_seed=42)

Visualize

Visualize

az.plot_ppc(prior_pred, group='prior')

**Check:**
- Do prior predictions span reasonable values?
- Are extreme values plausible given domain knowledge?
- If priors generate implausible data, adjust and re-check
az.plot_ppc(prior_pred, group='prior')

**检查要点:**
- 先验预测是否覆盖合理取值范围?
- 结合领域知识,极端值是否合理?
- 如果先验生成不合理数据,调整后重新检查

4. Fit Model

4. 拟合模型

python
with model:
    # Optional: Quick exploration with ADVI
    # approx = pm.fit(n=20000)

    # Full MCMC inference
    idata = pm.sample(
        draws=2000,
        tune=1000,
        chains=4,
        target_accept=0.9,
        random_seed=42,
        idata_kwargs={'log_likelihood': True}  # For model comparison
    )
Key parameters:
  • draws=2000
    : Number of samples per chain
  • tune=1000
    : Warmup samples (discarded)
  • chains=4
    : Run 4 chains for convergence checking
  • target_accept=0.9
    : Higher for difficult posteriors (0.95-0.99)
  • Include
    log_likelihood=True
    for model comparison
python
with model:
    # Optional: Quick exploration with ADVI
    # approx = pm.fit(n=20000)

    # Full MCMC inference
    idata = pm.sample(
        draws=2000,
        tune=1000,
        chains=4,
        target_accept=0.9,
        random_seed=42,
        idata_kwargs={'log_likelihood': True}  # For model comparison
    )
关键参数:
  • draws=2000
    : 每条链的样本数量
  • tune=1000
    : 预热样本(会被丢弃)
  • chains=4
    : 运行4条链以检查收敛性
  • target_accept=0.9
    : 针对复杂后验分布可设置更高值(0.95-0.99)
  • 包含
    log_likelihood=True
    以支持模型比较

5. Check Diagnostics

5. 检查诊断结果

Use the diagnostic script:
python
from scripts.model_diagnostics import check_diagnostics

results = check_diagnostics(idata, var_names=['alpha', 'beta', 'sigma'])
Check:
  • R-hat < 1.01: Chains have converged
  • ESS > 400: Sufficient effective samples
  • No divergences: NUTS sampled successfully
  • Trace plots: Chains should mix well (fuzzy caterpillar)
If issues arise:
  • Divergences → Increase
    target_accept=0.95
    , use non-centered parameterization
  • Low ESS → Sample more draws, reparameterize to reduce correlation
  • High R-hat → Run longer, check for multimodality
使用诊断脚本:
python
from scripts.model_diagnostics import check_diagnostics

results = check_diagnostics(idata, var_names=['alpha', 'beta', 'sigma'])
检查要点:
  • R-hat < 1.01: 链已收敛
  • ESS > 400: 有效样本量充足
  • 无发散点: NUTS采样成功
  • 轨迹图: 链应混合良好(呈现模糊毛毛虫状)
若出现问题:
  • 发散点 → 提高
    target_accept=0.95
    ,使用非中心化参数化
  • ESS值低 → 增加采样次数,重新参数化以降低相关性
  • R-hat值高 → 延长运行时间,检查是否存在多峰性

6. Posterior Predictive Check

6. 后验预测检查

Validate model fit:
python
with model:
    pm.sample_posterior_predictive(idata, extend_inferencedata=True, random_seed=42)
验证模型拟合效果:
python
with model:
    pm.sample_posterior_predictive(idata, extend_inferencedata=True, random_seed=42)

Visualize

Visualize

az.plot_ppc(idata)

**Check:**
- Do posterior predictions capture observed data patterns?
- Are systematic deviations evident (model misspecification)?
- Consider alternative models if fit is poor
az.plot_ppc(idata)

**检查要点:**
- 后验预测是否捕捉到观测数据的模式?
- 是否存在系统性偏差(模型误设)?
- 若拟合效果不佳,考虑替换模型

7. Analyze Results

7. 分析结果

python
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python
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Summary statistics

Summary statistics

print(az.summary(idata, var_names=['alpha', 'beta', 'sigma']))
print(az.summary(idata, var_names=['alpha', 'beta', 'sigma']))

Posterior distributions

Posterior distributions

az.plot_posterior(idata, var_names=['alpha', 'beta', 'sigma'])
az.plot_posterior(idata, var_names=['alpha', 'beta', 'sigma'])

Coefficient estimates

Coefficient estimates

az.plot_forest(idata, var_names=['beta'], combined=True)
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az.plot_forest(idata, var_names=['beta'], combined=True)
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8. Make Predictions

8. 生成预测

python
X_new = ...  # New predictor values
X_new_scaled = (X_new - X_mean) / X_std

with model:
    pm.set_data({'X_scaled': X_new_scaled})
    post_pred = pm.sample_posterior_predictive(
        idata.posterior,
        var_names=['y_obs'],
        random_seed=42
    )
python
X_new = ...  # New predictor values
X_new_scaled = (X_new - X_mean) / X_std

with model:
    pm.set_data({'X_scaled': X_new_scaled})
    post_pred = pm.sample_posterior_predictive(
        idata.posterior,
        var_names=['y_obs'],
        random_seed=42
    )

Extract prediction intervals

Extract prediction intervals

y_pred_mean = post_pred.posterior_predictive['y_obs'].mean(dim=['chain', 'draw']) y_pred_hdi = az.hdi(post_pred.posterior_predictive, var_names=['y_obs'])
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y_pred_mean = post_pred.posterior_predictive['y_obs'].mean(dim=['chain', 'draw']) y_pred_hdi = az.hdi(post_pred.posterior_predictive, var_names=['y_obs'])
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Common Model Patterns

常见模型模式

Linear Regression

线性回归

For continuous outcomes with linear relationships:
python
with pm.Model() as linear_model:
    alpha = pm.Normal('alpha', mu=0, sigma=10)
    beta = pm.Normal('beta', mu=0, sigma=10, shape=n_predictors)
    sigma = pm.HalfNormal('sigma', sigma=1)

    mu = alpha + pm.math.dot(X, beta)
    y = pm.Normal('y', mu=mu, sigma=sigma, observed=y_obs)
Use template:
assets/linear_regression_template.py
适用于具有线性关系的连续结果:
python
with pm.Model() as linear_model:
    alpha = pm.Normal('alpha', mu=0, sigma=10)
    beta = pm.Normal('beta', mu=0, sigma=10, shape=n_predictors)
    sigma = pm.HalfNormal('sigma', sigma=1)

    mu = alpha + pm.math.dot(X, beta)
    y = pm.Normal('y', mu=mu, sigma=sigma, observed=y_obs)
使用模板:
assets/linear_regression_template.py

Logistic Regression

逻辑回归

For binary outcomes:
python
with pm.Model() as logistic_model:
    alpha = pm.Normal('alpha', mu=0, sigma=10)
    beta = pm.Normal('beta', mu=0, sigma=10, shape=n_predictors)

    logit_p = alpha + pm.math.dot(X, beta)
    y = pm.Bernoulli('y', logit_p=logit_p, observed=y_obs)
适用于二元结果:
python
with pm.Model() as logistic_model:
    alpha = pm.Normal('alpha', mu=0, sigma=10)
    beta = pm.Normal('beta', mu=0, sigma=10, shape=n_predictors)

    logit_p = alpha + pm.math.dot(X, beta)
    y = pm.Bernoulli('y', logit_p=logit_p, observed=y_obs)

Hierarchical Models

分层模型

For grouped data (use non-centered parameterization):
python
with pm.Model(coords={'groups': group_names}) as hierarchical_model:
    # Hyperpriors
    mu_alpha = pm.Normal('mu_alpha', mu=0, sigma=10)
    sigma_alpha = pm.HalfNormal('sigma_alpha', sigma=1)

    # Group-level (non-centered)
    alpha_offset = pm.Normal('alpha_offset', mu=0, sigma=1, dims='groups')
    alpha = pm.Deterministic('alpha', mu_alpha + sigma_alpha * alpha_offset, dims='groups')

    # Observation-level
    mu = alpha[group_idx]
    sigma = pm.HalfNormal('sigma', sigma=1)
    y = pm.Normal('y', mu=mu, sigma=sigma, observed=y_obs)
Use template:
assets/hierarchical_model_template.py
Critical: Always use non-centered parameterization for hierarchical models to avoid divergences.
适用于分组数据(使用非中心化参数化):
python
with pm.Model(coords={'groups': group_names}) as hierarchical_model:
    # Hyperpriors
    mu_alpha = pm.Normal('mu_alpha', mu=0, sigma=10)
    sigma_alpha = pm.HalfNormal('sigma_alpha', sigma=1)

    # Group-level (non-centered)
    alpha_offset = pm.Normal('alpha_offset', mu=0, sigma=1, dims='groups')
    alpha = pm.Deterministic('alpha', mu_alpha + sigma_alpha * alpha_offset, dims='groups')

    # Observation-level
    mu = alpha[group_idx]
    sigma = pm.HalfNormal('sigma', sigma=1)
    y = pm.Normal('y', mu=mu, sigma=sigma, observed=y_obs)
使用模板:
assets/hierarchical_model_template.py
关键提示: 分层模型务必使用非中心化参数化以避免发散点。

Poisson Regression

泊松回归

For count data:
python
with pm.Model() as poisson_model:
    alpha = pm.Normal('alpha', mu=0, sigma=10)
    beta = pm.Normal('beta', mu=0, sigma=10, shape=n_predictors)

    log_lambda = alpha + pm.math.dot(X, beta)
    y = pm.Poisson('y', mu=pm.math.exp(log_lambda), observed=y_obs)
For overdispersed counts, use
NegativeBinomial
instead.
适用于计数数据:
python
with pm.Model() as poisson_model:
    alpha = pm.Normal('alpha', mu=0, sigma=10)
    beta = pm.Normal('beta', mu=0, sigma=10, shape=n_predictors)

    log_lambda = alpha + pm.math.dot(X, beta)
    y = pm.Poisson('y', mu=pm.math.exp(log_lambda), observed=y_obs)
对于过度离散的计数数据,改用
NegativeBinomial

Time Series

时间序列

For autoregressive processes:
python
with pm.Model() as ar_model:
    sigma = pm.HalfNormal('sigma', sigma=1)
    rho = pm.Normal('rho', mu=0, sigma=0.5, shape=ar_order)
    init_dist = pm.Normal.dist(mu=0, sigma=sigma)

    y = pm.AR('y', rho=rho, sigma=sigma, init_dist=init_dist, observed=y_obs)
适用于自回归过程:
python
with pm.Model() as ar_model:
    sigma = pm.HalfNormal('sigma', sigma=1)
    rho = pm.Normal('rho', mu=0, sigma=0.5, shape=ar_order)
    init_dist = pm.Normal.dist(mu=0, sigma=sigma)

    y = pm.AR('y', rho=rho, sigma=sigma, init_dist=init_dist, observed=y_obs)

Model Comparison

模型比较

Comparing Models

模型对比

Use LOO or WAIC for model comparison:
python
from scripts.model_comparison import compare_models, check_loo_reliability
使用LOO或WAIC进行模型比较:
python
from scripts.model_comparison import compare_models, check_loo_reliability

Fit models with log_likelihood

Fit models with log_likelihood

models = { 'Model1': idata1, 'Model2': idata2, 'Model3': idata3 }
models = { 'Model1': idata1, 'Model2': idata2, 'Model3': idata3 }

Compare using LOO

Compare using LOO

comparison = compare_models(models, ic='loo')
comparison = compare_models(models, ic='loo')

Check reliability

Check reliability

check_loo_reliability(models)

**Interpretation:**
- **Δloo < 2**: Models are similar, choose simpler model
- **2 < Δloo < 4**: Weak evidence for better model
- **4 < Δloo < 10**: Moderate evidence
- **Δloo > 10**: Strong evidence for better model

**Check Pareto-k values:**
- k < 0.7: LOO reliable
- k > 0.7: Consider WAIC or k-fold CV
check_loo_reliability(models)

**解读:**
- **Δloo < 2**: 模型性能相近,选择更简单的模型
- **2 < Δloo < 4**: 弱证据支持更优模型
- **4 < Δloo < 10**: 中等证据支持
- **Δloo > 10**: 强证据支持更优模型

**检查Pareto-k值:**
- k < 0.7: LOO结果可靠
- k > 0.7: 考虑使用WAIC或k折交叉验证

Model Averaging

模型平均

When models are similar, average predictions:
python
from scripts.model_comparison import model_averaging

averaged_pred, weights = model_averaging(models, var_name='y_obs')
当模型性能相近时,对预测结果进行平均:
python
from scripts.model_comparison import model_averaging

averaged_pred, weights = model_averaging(models, var_name='y_obs')

Distribution Selection Guide

分布选择指南

For Priors

先验分布

Scale parameters (σ, τ):
  • pm.HalfNormal('sigma', sigma=1)
    - Default choice
  • pm.Exponential('sigma', lam=1)
    - Alternative
  • pm.Gamma('sigma', alpha=2, beta=1)
    - More informative
Unbounded parameters:
  • pm.Normal('theta', mu=0, sigma=1)
    - For standardized data
  • pm.StudentT('theta', nu=3, mu=0, sigma=1)
    - Robust to outliers
Positive parameters:
  • pm.LogNormal('theta', mu=0, sigma=1)
  • pm.Gamma('theta', alpha=2, beta=1)
Probabilities:
  • pm.Beta('p', alpha=2, beta=2)
    - Weakly informative
  • pm.Uniform('p', lower=0, upper=1)
    - Non-informative (use sparingly)
Correlation matrices:
  • pm.LKJCorr('corr', n=n_vars, eta=2)
    - eta=1 uniform, eta>1 prefers identity
尺度参数(σ, τ):
  • pm.HalfNormal('sigma', sigma=1)
    - 默认选择
  • pm.Exponential('sigma', lam=1)
    - 替代方案
  • pm.Gamma('sigma', alpha=2, beta=1)
    - 信息性更强
无界参数:
  • pm.Normal('theta', mu=0, sigma=1)
    - 适用于标准化数据
  • pm.StudentT('theta', nu=3, mu=0, sigma=1)
    - 对异常值鲁棒
正参数:
  • pm.LogNormal('theta', mu=0, sigma=1)
  • pm.Gamma('theta', alpha=2, beta=1)
概率:
  • pm.Beta('p', alpha=2, beta=2)
    - 弱信息先验
  • pm.Uniform('p', lower=0, upper=1)
    - 无信息先验(谨慎使用)
相关矩阵:
  • pm.LKJCorr('corr', n=n_vars, eta=2)
    - eta=1时为均匀分布,eta>1时倾向于单位矩阵

For Likelihoods

似然分布

Continuous outcomes:
  • pm.Normal('y', mu=mu, sigma=sigma)
    - Default for continuous data
  • pm.StudentT('y', nu=nu, mu=mu, sigma=sigma)
    - Robust to outliers
Count data:
  • pm.Poisson('y', mu=lambda)
    - Equidispersed counts
  • pm.NegativeBinomial('y', mu=mu, alpha=alpha)
    - Overdispersed counts
  • pm.ZeroInflatedPoisson('y', psi=psi, mu=mu)
    - Excess zeros
Binary outcomes:
  • pm.Bernoulli('y', p=p)
    or
    pm.Bernoulli('y', logit_p=logit_p)
Categorical outcomes:
  • pm.Categorical('y', p=probs)
See:
references/distributions.md
for comprehensive distribution reference
连续结果:
  • pm.Normal('y', mu=mu, sigma=sigma)
    - 连续数据默认选择
  • pm.StudentT('y', nu=nu, mu=mu, sigma=sigma)
    - 对异常值鲁棒
计数数据:
  • pm.Poisson('y', mu=lambda)
    - 等离散计数数据
  • pm.NegativeBinomial('y', mu=mu, alpha=alpha)
    - 过度离散计数数据
  • pm.ZeroInflatedPoisson('y', psi=psi, mu=mu)
    - 存在过多零值的情况
二元结果:
  • pm.Bernoulli('y', p=p)
    pm.Bernoulli('y', logit_p=logit_p)
分类结果:
  • pm.Categorical('y', p=probs)
参考:
references/distributions.md
获取完整的分布参考文档

Sampling and Inference

采样与推断

MCMC with NUTS

基于NUTS的MCMC

Default and recommended for most models:
python
idata = pm.sample(
    draws=2000,
    tune=1000,
    chains=4,
    target_accept=0.9,
    random_seed=42
)
Adjust when needed:
  • Divergences →
    target_accept=0.95
    or higher
  • Slow sampling → Use ADVI for initialization
  • Discrete parameters → Use
    pm.Metropolis()
    for discrete vars
默认且推荐用于大多数模型:
python
idata = pm.sample(
    draws=2000,
    tune=1000,
    chains=4,
    target_accept=0.9,
    random_seed=42
)
按需调整:
  • 出现发散点 → 设置
    target_accept=0.95
    或更高
  • 采样缓慢 → 使用ADVI初始化
  • 离散参数 → 对离散变量使用
    pm.Metropolis()

Variational Inference

变分推断

Fast approximation for exploration or initialization:
python
with model:
    approx = pm.fit(n=20000, method='advi')

    # Use for initialization
    start = approx.sample(return_inferencedata=False)[0]
    idata = pm.sample(start=start)
Trade-offs:
  • Much faster than MCMC
  • Approximate (may underestimate uncertainty)
  • Good for large models or quick exploration
See:
references/sampling_inference.md
for detailed sampling guide
用于探索或初始化的快速近似方法:
python
with model:
    approx = pm.fit(n=20000, method='advi')

    # Use for initialization
    start = approx.sample(return_inferencedata=False)[0]
    idata = pm.sample(start=start)
权衡:
  • 比MCMC快得多
  • 近似结果(可能低估不确定性)
  • 适用于大型模型或快速探索
参考:
references/sampling_inference.md
获取详细的采样指南

Diagnostic Scripts

诊断脚本

Comprehensive Diagnostics

综合诊断

python
from scripts.model_diagnostics import create_diagnostic_report

create_diagnostic_report(
    idata,
    var_names=['alpha', 'beta', 'sigma'],
    output_dir='diagnostics/'
)
Creates:
  • Trace plots
  • Rank plots (mixing check)
  • Autocorrelation plots
  • Energy plots
  • ESS evolution
  • Summary statistics CSV
python
from scripts.model_diagnostics import create_diagnostic_report

create_diagnostic_report(
    idata,
    var_names=['alpha', 'beta', 'sigma'],
    output_dir='diagnostics/'
)
生成内容:
  • 轨迹图
  • 秩图(混合性检查)
  • 自相关图
  • 能量图
  • ESS演化图
  • 汇总统计CSV文件

Quick Diagnostic Check

快速诊断检查

python
from scripts.model_diagnostics import check_diagnostics

results = check_diagnostics(idata)
Checks R-hat, ESS, divergences, and tree depth.
python
from scripts.model_diagnostics import check_diagnostics

results = check_diagnostics(idata)
检查R-hat、ESS、发散点和树深度。

Common Issues and Solutions

常见问题与解决方案

Divergences

发散点

Symptom:
idata.sample_stats.diverging.sum() > 0
Solutions:
  1. Increase
    target_accept=0.95
    or
    0.99
  2. Use non-centered parameterization (hierarchical models)
  3. Add stronger priors to constrain parameters
  4. Check for model misspecification
症状:
idata.sample_stats.diverging.sum() > 0
解决方案:
  1. 提高
    target_accept=0.95
    0.99
  2. 对分层模型使用非中心化参数化
  3. 添加更强的先验以约束参数
  4. 检查是否存在模型误设

Low Effective Sample Size

有效样本量低

Symptom:
ESS < 400
Solutions:
  1. Sample more draws:
    draws=5000
  2. Reparameterize to reduce posterior correlation
  3. Use QR decomposition for regression with correlated predictors
症状:
ESS < 400
解决方案:
  1. 增加采样次数:
    draws=5000
  2. 重新参数化以降低后验相关性
  3. 对存在相关预测变量的回归使用QR分解

High R-hat

R-hat值高

Symptom:
R-hat > 1.01
Solutions:
  1. Run longer chains:
    tune=2000, draws=5000
  2. Check for multimodality
  3. Improve initialization with ADVI
症状:
R-hat > 1.01
解决方案:
  1. 延长链运行时间:
    tune=2000, draws=5000
  2. 检查是否存在多峰性
  3. 使用ADVI优化初始化

Slow Sampling

采样缓慢

Solutions:
  1. Use ADVI initialization
  2. Reduce model complexity
  3. Increase parallelization:
    cores=8, chains=8
  4. Use variational inference if appropriate
解决方案:
  1. 使用ADVI初始化
  2. 降低模型复杂度
  3. 提高并行度:
    cores=8, chains=8
  4. 若合适,使用变分推断

Best Practices

最佳实践

Model Building

模型构建

  1. Always standardize predictors for better sampling
  2. Use weakly informative priors (not flat)
  3. Use named dimensions (
    dims
    ) for clarity
  4. Non-centered parameterization for hierarchical models
  5. Check prior predictive before fitting
  1. 务必标准化预测变量以提升采样效率
  2. 使用弱信息先验(而非平坦先验)
  3. 使用命名维度
    dims
    )以提升清晰度
  4. 分层模型采用非中心化参数化
  5. 拟合前检查先验预测

Sampling

采样

  1. Run multiple chains (at least 4) for convergence
  2. Use
    target_accept=0.9
    as baseline (higher if needed)
  3. Include
    log_likelihood=True
    for model comparison
  4. Set random seed for reproducibility
  1. 运行多条链(至少4条)以检查收敛性
  2. **使用
    target_accept=0.9
    **作为基准(按需提高)
  3. **包含
    log_likelihood=True
    **以支持模型比较
  4. 设置随机种子以保证可复现性

Validation

验证

  1. Check diagnostics before interpretation (R-hat, ESS, divergences)
  2. Posterior predictive check for model validation
  3. Compare multiple models when appropriate
  4. Report uncertainty (HDI intervals, not just point estimates)
  1. 解读结果前先检查诊断信息(R-hat、ESS、发散点)
  2. 通过后验预测检查验证模型
  3. 必要时比较多个模型
  4. 报告不确定性(HDI区间,而非仅点估计)

Workflow

工作流

  1. Start simple, add complexity gradually
  2. Prior predictive check → Fit → Diagnostics → Posterior predictive check
  3. Iterate on model specification based on checks
  4. Document assumptions and prior choices
  1. 从简单模型开始,逐步增加复杂度
  2. 先验预测检查 → 拟合 → 诊断 → 后验预测检查
  3. 根据检查结果迭代调整模型规格
  4. 记录假设和先验选择

Resources

资源

This skill includes:
本技能包含以下资源:

References (
references/
)

参考文档(
references/

  • distributions.md
    : Comprehensive catalog of PyMC distributions organized by category (continuous, discrete, multivariate, mixture, time series). Use when selecting priors or likelihoods.
  • sampling_inference.md
    : Detailed guide to sampling algorithms (NUTS, Metropolis, SMC), variational inference (ADVI, SVGD), and handling sampling issues. Use when encountering convergence problems or choosing inference methods.
  • workflows.md
    : Complete workflow examples and code patterns for common model types, data preparation, prior selection, and model validation. Use as a cookbook for standard Bayesian analyses.
  • distributions.md
    : 按类别(连续、离散、多元、混合、时间序列)整理的PyMC分布完整目录。选择先验或似然分布时参考。
  • sampling_inference.md
    : 采样算法(NUTS、Metropolis、SMC)、变分推断(ADVI、SVGD)以及采样问题处理的详细指南。遇到收敛问题或选择推断方法时参考。
  • workflows.md
    : 常见模型类型、数据准备、先验选择和模型验证的完整工作流示例与代码模式。作为标准贝叶斯分析的参考手册使用。

Scripts (
scripts/
)

脚本(
scripts/

  • model_diagnostics.py
    : Automated diagnostic checking and report generation. Functions:
    check_diagnostics()
    for quick checks,
    create_diagnostic_report()
    for comprehensive analysis with plots.
  • model_comparison.py
    : Model comparison utilities using LOO/WAIC. Functions:
    compare_models()
    ,
    check_loo_reliability()
    ,
    model_averaging()
    .
  • model_diagnostics.py
    : 自动化诊断检查和报告生成工具。包含函数:
    check_diagnostics()
    用于快速检查,
    create_diagnostic_report()
    用于生成带图表的综合分析报告。
  • model_comparison.py
    : 使用LOO/WAIC进行模型比较的工具。包含函数:
    compare_models()
    check_loo_reliability()
    model_averaging()

Templates (
assets/
)

模板(
assets/

  • linear_regression_template.py
    : Complete template for Bayesian linear regression with full workflow (data prep, prior checks, fitting, diagnostics, predictions).
  • hierarchical_model_template.py
    : Complete template for hierarchical/multilevel models with non-centered parameterization and group-level analysis.
  • linear_regression_template.py
    : 贝叶斯线性回归的完整模板,包含完整工作流(数据准备、先验检查、拟合、诊断、预测)。
  • hierarchical_model_template.py
    : 分层/多级模型的完整模板,包含非中心化参数化和分组级分析。

Quick Reference

快速参考

Model Building

模型构建

python
with pm.Model(coords={'var': names}) as model:
    # Priors
    param = pm.Normal('param', mu=0, sigma=1, dims='var')
    # Likelihood
    y = pm.Normal('y', mu=..., sigma=..., observed=data)
python
with pm.Model(coords={'var': names}) as model:
    # Priors
    param = pm.Normal('param', mu=0, sigma=1, dims='var')
    # Likelihood
    y = pm.Normal('y', mu=..., sigma=..., observed=data)

Sampling

采样

python
idata = pm.sample(draws=2000, tune=1000, chains=4, target_accept=0.9)
python
idata = pm.sample(draws=2000, tune=1000, chains=4, target_accept=0.9)

Diagnostics

诊断

python
from scripts.model_diagnostics import check_diagnostics
check_diagnostics(idata)
python
from scripts.model_diagnostics import check_diagnostics
check_diagnostics(idata)

Model Comparison

模型比较

python
from scripts.model_comparison import compare_models
compare_models({'m1': idata1, 'm2': idata2}, ic='loo')
python
from scripts.model_comparison import compare_models
compare_models({'m1': idata1, 'm2': idata2}, ic='loo')

Predictions

预测

python
with model:
    pm.set_data({'X': X_new})
    pred = pm.sample_posterior_predictive(idata.posterior)
python
with model:
    pm.set_data({'X': X_new})
    pred = pm.sample_posterior_predictive(idata.posterior)

Additional Notes

补充说明

  • PyMC integrates with ArviZ for visualization and diagnostics
  • Use
    pm.model_to_graphviz(model)
    to visualize model structure
  • Save results with
    idata.to_netcdf('results.nc')
  • Load with
    az.from_netcdf('results.nc')
  • For very large models, consider minibatch ADVI or data subsampling
  • PyMC与ArviZ集成,用于可视化和诊断
  • 使用
    pm.model_to_graphviz(model)
    可视化模型结构
  • 使用
    idata.to_netcdf('results.nc')
    保存结果
  • 使用
    az.from_netcdf('results.nc')
    加载结果
  • 对于超大型模型,考虑使用小批量ADVI或数据子采样