Abstract
Small area model provides reliable and accurate estimations when the sample size is not sufficient. Our dataset has an inherent nonlinear pattern which signicantly affects our inference. In this case, we could consider semiparametric models such as truncated polynomial basis function and radial basis function. In this paper, we study four Bayesian semiparametric models for small areas to handle this point. Four small area models are based on two kinds of basis function and different knots positions. To evaluate the different estimates, four comparison measurements have been employed as criteria. In these comparison measurements, the truncated polynomial basis function with equal quantile knots has shown the best result. In Bayesian calculation, we use Gibbs sampler to solve the numerical problems.
