Nonparametric density contour estimation

dc.contributor.advisorCox, Dennis D.
dc.creatorGebert, Mark Allen
dc.date.accessioned2009-06-04T07:00:47Z
dc.date.available2009-06-04T07:00:47Z
dc.date.issued1998
dc.description.abstractEstimation of the level sets for an unknown probability density is done with no specific assumed form for that density, that is, non-parametrically. Methods for tackling this problem are presented. Earlier research showed existence and properties of an estimate based on a kernel density estimate in one dimension. Monte Carlo methods further demonstrated the reasonability of extending this approach to two dimensions. An alternative procedure is now considered that focuses on properties of the contour itself; procedures wherein we define and make use of an objective function based on the characterization of contours as enclosing regions of minimum area given a constraint on probability. Restricting our attention to (possibly non-convex) polygons as candidate contours, numeric optimization of this difficult non-smooth objective function is accomplished using pdsopt, for Parallel Direct Search OPTimization, a set of routines developed for minimization of a scalar-valued function over a high-dimensional domain. Motivation for this method is given, as well as results of simulations done to test it; these include exploration of a Lagrange-multiplier penalty on area and the need which arises for addition of a penalty on the "roughness" of a polygonal contour.
dc.format.extent200 p.en_US
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdf
dc.identifier.callnoTHESIS STAT. 1998 GEBERT
dc.identifier.citationGebert, Mark Allen. "Nonparametric density contour estimation." (1998) Diss., Rice University. <a href="https://hdl.handle.net/1911/19261">https://hdl.handle.net/1911/19261</a>.
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/1911/19261
dc.language.isoeng
dc.rightsCopyright is held by the author, unless otherwise indicated. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.
dc.subjectMathematics
dc.subjectStatistics
dc.titleNonparametric density contour estimation
dc.typeThesis
dc.type.materialText
thesis.degree.departmentStatistics
thesis.degree.disciplineEngineering
thesis.degree.grantorRice University
thesis.degree.levelDoctoral
thesis.degree.nameDoctor of Philosophy
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