Bayesian Methods for Cosmological Parameter Estimation from Cosmic Microwave Background Measurements

We present a strategy for a statistically rigorous Bayesian approach to the problem of determining cosmological parameters from the results of observations of anisotropies in the cosmic microwave radiation background. We propose the application of Markov chain Monte Carlo methods, specifically the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm, to estimate the parameters. A complete statistical analysis is presented, with the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm described in detail.