Bayesian l_0 Regularized Least Squares
Bayesian l_0-regularized least squares provides a variable selection technique for high dimensional predictors. The challenge in l_0 regularization is optimizing a non-convex objective function via search over model space consisting of all possible predictor combinations, a NP-hard task. Spike-and-slab (a.k.a. Bernoulli-Gaussian, BG) priors are the gold standard for Bayesian variable selection, with a caveat of computational speed and scalability. We show that a Single Best Replacement (SBR) algorithm is a fast scalable alternative. Although SBR calculates a sparse posterior mode, we show that it possesses a number of equivalences and optimality properties of a posterior mean. To illustrate our methodology, we provide simulation evidence and a real data example on the statistical properties and computational efficiency of SBR versus direct posterior sampling using spike-and-slab priors. Finally, we conclude with directions for future research.
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