Asymptotics of cut distributions and robust modular inference using Posterior Bootstrap

Abstract: Bayesian inference provides a framework to combine an arbitrary number of model components with shared parameters, allowing joint uncertainty estimation and the use of all available data sources. However, misspecification of any part of the model might propagate to all other parts and lead to unsatisfactory results. Cut distributions have been proposed as a remedy, where the information is prevented from flowing along certain directions. We consider cut distributions from an asymptotic perspective, find the equivalent of the Laplace approximation, and notice a lack of frequentist coverage for the associate credible regions. We propose algorithms based on the Posterior Bootstrap that deliver credible regions with the nominal frequentist asymptotic coverage. The algorithms involve numerical optimization programs that can be performed fully in parallel. The results and methods are illustrated in various settings, such as causal inference with propensity scores and epidemiological studies.