Regression estimation from an individual stable sequence


Abstract in English

We consider univariate regression estimation from an individual (non-random) sequence $(x_1,y_1),(x_2,y_2), ... in real times real$, which is stable in the sense that for each interval $A subseteq real$, (i) the limiting relative frequency of $A$ under $x_1, x_2, ...$ is governed by an unknown probability distribution $mu$, and (ii) the limiting average of those $y_i$ with $x_i in A$ is governed by an unknown regression function $m(cdot)$. A computationally simple scheme for estimating $m(cdot)$ is exhibited, and is shown to be $L_2$ consistent for stable sequences ${(x_i,y_i)}$ such that ${y_i}$ is bounded and there is a known upper bound for the variation of $m(cdot)$ on intervals of the form $(-i,i]$, $i geq 1$. Complementing this positive result, it is shown that there is no consistent estimation scheme for the family of stable sequences whose regression functions have finite variation, even under the restriction that $x_i in [0,1]$ and $y_i$ is binary-valued.

Download