Bayesian Curve-Fitting in Semiparametric Small Area Models with Measurement Errors

We study a semiparametric Bayesian approach to small area estimation under a nested error linear regression model with area level covariate subject to measurement error. Consideration is given to radial basis functions for the regression spline and knots on a grid of equally spaced sample quantiles of covariate with measurement errors in the nested error linear regression model setup. We conduct a hierarchical Bayesian structural measurement error model for small areas and prove the propriety of the joint posterior based on a given hierarchical Bayesian framework since some priors are defined non-informative improper priors that uses Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods to fit it. Our methodology is illustrated using numerical examples to compare possible models based on model adequacy criteria; in addition, analysis is conducted based on real data.