A Bayesian analysis of Monte Carlo correlation times for the two-dimensional Ising model

We present a new Bayesian analysis of the high-accuracy data of Nightingale and Blote for the correlation times of the two-dimensional Ising model to determine the value of the dynamical critical exponent. We demonstrate the crucial role played by the Nightingale/Blote assumption that odd terms disappear in their expression for the correlation time as a function of the size of the system. We obtain differing results for the existence of logarithmic corrections and the value of the dynamical critical exponent, depending on whether or not that assumption is valid. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.