title: A gentle introduction to bayesian analysis: applications to developmental research.
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.
authors.affiliation: Utrecht University.|North-West University.
authors.forename: Rens
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: van de Schoot
authors.affiliation: University of Wisconsin-Madison.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kaplan
authors.affiliation: University of Tilburg.
authors.forename: Jaap
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Denissen
authors.affiliation: Humboldt-University Berlin.
authors.forename: Jens B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Asendorpf
authors.affiliation: Friedrich Schiller University of Jena.
authors.forename: Franz J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Neyer
authors.affiliation: Utrecht University.
authors.forename: Marcel A G
authors.initials: MAG
authors.lastname: van Aken
mesh_terms: D001499:Bayes Theorem; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000379:methods*; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D006803:Human Development; D006801:Humans