Global Empirical Bayes


Empirical Bayes estimators consider the "real" rate associated with each area is not known, and that observed rate is available. The idea of Bayesian estimators is assumed that the actual rate is a random variable having a mean and a known variance.

The best estimator in this rate is a linear combination of the observed rate (events / population) in area A and an average value B weighted by a factor C.

The average weight may be used in the average rate of all areas (polygons) under study, in this case, the  method is called Global Empirical Bayes.

It is accessible through:

   Plugins > Spatial Analysis > Global Empirical Bayes...

This interface consists of the following steps:

    1. Input Information:
    2. Operation Parameters:
    3. Output Information:

Click OK and then the global bayes rate will be calculated.

Note: To calculate Bayesian Rates, the denominator (population at risk) does not have values equal or smaller than zero.