We describe a hierarchy of exponential families which is useful
for distinguishing types of graphical models. Undirected graphical models with
no hidden variables are linear exponential families (LEFs). Directed acyclic
graphical (DAG) models and chain graphs with no hidden variables,
includ ing DAG models with several families of local distributions, are
curved exponential families (CEFs). Graphical models with hidden variables are
what we term stratified exponential families (SEFs). A SEF is a finite union of
CEFs of various dimensions satisfying some regularity conditions. We also show
that this hierarchy of exponential families is noncollapsing with respect to
graphical models by providing a graphical model which is a CEF but not a LEF
and a graphical model that is a SEF but not a CEF. Finally, we show how to
compute the dimension of a stratified exponential family. These results are
discussed in the context of model selection of graphical models.
@article{1009210550,
author = {Geiger, Dan and Heckerman, David and King, Henry and Meek, Christopher},
title = {Stratified exponential families: Graphical models and model
selection},
journal = {Ann. Statist.},
volume = {29},
number = {2},
year = {2001},
pages = { 505-529},
language = {en},
url = {http://dml.mathdoc.fr/item/1009210550}
}
Geiger, Dan; Heckerman, David; King, Henry; Meek, Christopher. Stratified exponential families: Graphical models and model
selection. Ann. Statist., Tome 29 (2001) no. 2, pp. 505-529. http://gdmltest.u-ga.fr/item/1009210550/