Second semester

Nonparametric Statistics

Objectifs

A parametric statistical model involves a family of laws characterized by a small number of unknown real parameters. Such a framework may be perfectly appropriate when the family of probability laws chosen appears to be imposed by the random phenomenon to be described.
In practice, however, the choice of a parametric model is often no more than a convenient simplification, leading to identification errors. The alternative approach is to define a broader, "non-parametric" model, where a possible law is characterized by a function (rather than an element of k). Identifying the law then boils down to estimating this function, an approach that has seen vigorous development in recent years, and will be the focus of this course.

Plan

Non-parametric and semi-parametric models; basic principles of functional estimation.
Density estimation using the kernel method.
Regression estimation using the kernel method.
Non-parametric propensity score estimation.
Generalized method of moments and optimal instruments.

Prérequis

probability theory, inferential statistics, linear regression