Annals of Statistics

Two likelihood-based semiparametric estimation methods for panel count data with covariates

Jon A. Wellner and Ying Zhang

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Abstract

We consider estimation in a particular semiparametric regression model for the mean of a counting process with “panel count” data. The basic model assumption is that the conditional mean function of the counting process is of the form E{ℕ(t)|Z}=exp(β0TZ)Λ0(t) where Z is a vector of covariates and Λ0 is the baseline mean function. The “panel count” observation scheme involves observation of the counting process ℕ for an individual at a random number K of random time points; both the number and the locations of these time points may differ across individuals.

We study semiparametric maximum pseudo-likelihood and maximum likelihood estimators of the unknown parameters (β0, Λ0) derived on the basis of a nonhomogeneous Poisson process assumption. The pseudo-likelihood estimator is fairly easy to compute, while the maximum likelihood estimator poses more challenges from the computational perspective. We study asymptotic properties of both estimators assuming that the proportional mean model holds, but dropping the Poisson process assumption used to derive the estimators. In particular we establish asymptotic normality for the estimators of the regression parameter β0 under appropriate hypotheses. The results show that our estimation procedures are robust in the sense that the estimators converge to the truth regardless of the underlying counting process.

Article information

Source
Ann. Statist., Volume 35, Number 5 (2007), 2106-2142.

Dates
First available in Project Euclid: 7 November 2007

Permanent link to this document
https://projecteuclid.org/euclid.aos/1194461724

Digital Object Identifier
doi:10.1214/009053607000000181

Mathematical Reviews number (MathSciNet)
MR2363965

Zentralblatt MATH identifier
1126.62084

Subjects
Primary: 60F05: Central limit and other weak theorems 60F17: Functional limit theorems; invariance principles
Secondary: 60J65: Brownian motion [See also 58J65] 60J70: Applications of Brownian motions and diffusion theory (population genetics, absorption problems, etc.) [See also 92Dxx]

Keywords
Asymptotic distributions asymptotic efficiency asymptotic normality consistency counting process empirical processes information matrix maximum likelihood Poisson process pseudo-likelihood estimators monotone function

Citation

Wellner, Jon A.; Zhang, Ying. Two likelihood-based semiparametric estimation methods for panel count data with covariates. Ann. Statist. 35 (2007), no. 5, 2106--2142. doi:10.1214/009053607000000181. https://projecteuclid.org/euclid.aos/1194461724


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