Introduction

TL;DR

This paper summarizes a workshop aimed at highlighting Bayesian methods relevant for frequentist statisticians, emphasizing their practical applications in complex survey analysis and official statistics production.

Contribution

It introduces a workshop that promotes understanding and integration of Bayesian techniques within the frequentist statistical community.

Findings

Bayesian methods are effective for complex survey problems.

Workshop facilitated knowledge exchange between Bayesian and frequentist statisticians.

Enhanced collaboration can improve official statistical practices.

Abstract

The Statistics Consortium at the University of Maryland, College Park, hosted a two-day workshop on Bayesian Methods that Frequentists Should Know during April 30--May 1, 2008. The event was co-sponsored by the Institute of Mathematical Statistics (IMS), Office of Research and Methodology, National Center for Health Statistics, Survey Research Methods Section (SRMS) of the American Statistical Association, and Washington Statistical Society. The workshop was intended to bring out the positive features of Bayesian statistics in solving real-life problems, including complex problems in sample surveys and production of high-quality official statistics.