Preprint gr-qc/0304096

Bayesian Model Comparison
Applied to the Explorer-Nautilus 2001 Coincidence Data

P. Astone,¹ G. D'Agostini,¹ S. D'Antonio²
1) INFN and University of Rome ``La Sapienza'', Rome, Italy
2) INFN and University of Rome ``Tor Vergata'', Rome, Italy
(Presented by P. Astone)

Abstract:

Bayesian reasoning is applied to the data by the ROG Collaboration, in which gravitational wave (g.w.) signals are searched for in a coincidence experiment between Explorer and Nautilus. The use of Bayesian reasoning allows, under well defined hypotheses, even tiny pieces of evidence in favor of each model to be extracted from the data. The combination of the data of several experiments can therefore be performed in an optimal and efficient way. Some models for Galactic sources are considered and, within each model, the experimental result is summarized with the likelihood rescaled to the insensitivity limit value (R function''). The model comparison result is given in in terms of Bayes factors, which quantify how the ratio of beliefs about two alternative models are modified by the experimental observation.

Reference to this paper: Class. Quant. Grav. 20 (2003) 769.

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Note added (December 2004): as stated in this paper (footnote 9), this paper should be taken more for its methodological contents than for the physical outcome.