Technical Abstract Bulletin


Book Description













Statistical Analysis of Finite Mixture Distributions


Book Description

In this book, the authors give a complete account of the applications, mathematical structure and statistical analysis of finite mixture distributions.










Large Sample Techniques for Statistics


Book Description

In a way, the world is made up of approximations, and surely there is no exception in the world of statistics. In fact, approximations, especially large sample approximations, are very important parts of both theoretical and - plied statistics.TheGaussiandistribution,alsoknownasthe normaldistri- tion,is merelyonesuchexample,dueto thewell-knowncentrallimittheorem. Large-sample techniques provide solutions to many practical problems; they simplify our solutions to di?cult, sometimes intractable problems; they j- tify our solutions; and they guide us to directions of improvements. On the other hand, just because large-sample approximations are used everywhere, and every day, it does not guarantee that they are used properly, and, when the techniques are misused, there may be serious consequences. 2 Example 1 (Asymptotic? distribution). Likelihood ratio test (LRT) is one of the fundamental techniques in statistics. It is well known that, in the 2 “standard” situation, the asymptotic null distribution of the LRT is?,with the degreesoffreedomequaltothe di?erencebetweenthedimensions,de?ned as the numbers of free parameters, of the two nested models being compared (e.g., Rice 1995, pp. 310). This might lead to a wrong impression that the 2 asymptotic (null) distribution of the LRT is always? . A similar mistake 2 might take place when dealing with Pearson’s? -test—the asymptotic distri- 2 2 bution of Pearson’s? -test is not always? (e.g., Moore 1978).




Loss Models


Book Description

An update of one of the most trusted books on constructing and analyzing actuarial models Written by three renowned authorities in the actuarial field, Loss Models, Third Edition upholds the reputation for excellence that has made this book required reading for the Society of Actuaries (SOA) and Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) qualification examinations. This update serves as a complete presentation of statistical methods for measuring risk and building models to measure loss in real-world events. This book maintains an approach to modeling and forecasting that utilizes tools related to risk theory, loss distributions, and survival models. Random variables, basic distributional quantities, the recursive method, and techniques for classifying and creating distributions are also discussed. Both parametric and non-parametric estimation methods are thoroughly covered along with advice for choosing an appropriate model. Features of the Third Edition include: Extended discussion of risk management and risk measures, including Tail-Value-at-Risk (TVaR) New sections on extreme value distributions and their estimation Inclusion of homogeneous, nonhomogeneous, and mixed Poisson processes Expanded coverage of copula models and their estimation Additional treatment of methods for constructing confidence regions when there is more than one parameter The book continues to distinguish itself by providing over 400 exercises that have appeared on previous SOA and CAS examinations. Intriguing examples from the fields of insurance and business are discussed throughout, and all data sets are available on the book's FTP site, along with programs that assist with conducting loss model analysis. Loss Models, Third Edition is an essential resource for students and aspiring actuaries who are preparing to take the SOA and CAS preliminary examinations. It is also a must-have reference for professional actuaries, graduate students in the actuarial field, and anyone who works with loss and risk models in their everyday work. To explore our additional offerings in actuarial exam preparation visit www.wiley.com/go/actuarialexamprep.




Nonparametric Functional Estimation


Book Description

Nonparametric Functional Estimation is a compendium of papers, written by experts, in the area of nonparametric functional estimation. This book attempts to be exhaustive in nature and is written both for specialists in the area as well as for students of statistics taking courses at the postgraduate level. The main emphasis throughout the book is on the discussion of several methods of estimation and on the study of their large sample properties. Chapters are devoted to topics on estimation of density and related functions, the application of density estimation to classification problems, and the different facets of estimation of distribution functions. Statisticians and students of statistics and engineering will find the text very useful.