Description: This paper shows how a graduation method may be developed as straight forward statistical estimation within a statistical theory based upon personal probability, that is, so-called Bayesian statistics. The method discussed is applicable to a broad range of graduation situations, but does assume the more specific property of the graduator's prior opinion with respect to mortality rates.

Description: This paper addresses various modifications of the Kimeldorf-Jones Bayesian graduation method. These enhancements entail the use of time series and eigenvalue decomposition. By augmenting the existing method one can empirically smooth the Kimeldorf-Jones technique. From Actuarial Research Clearing House 1991, VOL. 1.

Description: This paper discusses the Bayesian graduation method of Kimeldorf and Jones and develops methods for managing four technical problems in their method. It also includes a discussion of the paper. From Transactions of Society of Actuaries 1977, Vol. 29.

Description: This paper presents an additional view of estimating parameters of the force of mortality using Bayesian methods. Some examples are provided. From Actuarial Research Clearing House 1993 VOL. 1.

Description: This paper examines the compatibility of the two models, in the hope that this exploration will prompt a greater cross-fertilization of ideas between the life actuarial branch which favors Bayesian models and the casualty branch which favors Hans Buhlmann models.

Description: A presentation of a mathematics/statistics based approach for determining credibility factors for possible use in group health insurance premium rate setting and experience refund setting. Includes supporting mathematical proofs of approach. Followed by discussions submitted by several people

Description: Premium computation in a Bayesian context requires the use of a prior distribution [structure function] that the risk parameter follows in the heterogeneous portfolio. This paper contributes to the analysis of credibility theory by identifying the unique relationship between the prior distribution and credibility formula. The latter corresponds to a suggestive form of expressing the premium to be charged to a policyholder as a weighted sum of the sample mean and collective premium. Results for net premium principle and Poisson and negative binomial likelihood functions are shown.

Description: In this paper the author presents an application of Bayesian forecasting methods to the estimation of reserves for outstanding claims. He assumes that the time number of periods it takes for the claims to be completely paid is fixed and known, that payments are made annually and that the development of partial payments follows a stable pay-off pattern. From Actuarial Research Clearing House, 2003, Vol 1.

Description: The problem of estimation of a tabular survival model from complete samples is considered from a Bayesian approach. If a life test involves a large cohort group, then data is typically given as a grouped data set. The survival function St is usually estimated by the moment estimator. We approximate the joint prior distribution of the unknown unconditional failure probabilities by a Dirichlet distribution, and then use a linear relationship between St and the conditional survival probabilities to obtain a Bayes estimator of St.

Description: The objective of this paper is to present a technical exposition of the rudiments of Bayesian statistics.