stan-dev / stan-dev/stan

trap improper posteriors

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feature
Dominant language
C++
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Description

We want to be able to trap improper posteriors. Daniel just demoed this model

data {
  int<lower=0> N;
  vector[N] x;
  vector[N] y;
}
parameters {
  real a;
  real b;
  real<lower=0> sigma;
}
model {
  y ~ normal(a + b * x, sigma);
}

and it samples and gives garbage (low n_eff for a and b, but high n_eff for err_sd).

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First steps

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Research direction

No source files, tests, or entry points are named. Start by reproducing the supplied model and reviewing how Stan currently handles sampling and diagnostics for improper posteriors. The issue is complete when the intended improper-posterior condition is detected and reported with a corresponding regression test.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Tech stack
cpp
Domain
machine-learning
Issue type
Feature
Difficulty
5/5
Estimated time
Over a week
Activity status
Stale
Clarity
Needs clarification
Newbie friendliness
20/100

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