Package wsbackfit for Smooth Backfitting Estimation of Generalized Structured Models

Authors

Javier Roca-Pardiñas, University of Vigo
María Xosé Rodríguez-Álvarez, IKERBASQUE
Stefan Sperlich, University of Geneva

Date of this Version

6-2021

Document Type

Article

Citation

The R Journal (June 2021) 13(1); Editor: Dianne Cook

Comments

Copyright 2021, The R Foundation. Open access material. License: CC BY 4.0 International

Abstract

A package is introduced that provides the weighted smooth backfitting estimator for a large family of popular semiparametric regression models. This family is known as generalized structured models, comprising, for example, generalized varying coefficient model, generalized additive models, mixtures, potentially including parametric parts. The kernel-based weighted smooth backfitting belongs to the statistically most efficient procedures for this model class. Its asymptotic properties are well-understood thanks to the large body of literature about this estimator. The introduced weights allow for the inclusion of sampling weights, trimming, and efficient estimation under heteroscedasticity. Further options facilitate easy handling of aggregated data, prediction, and the presentation of estimation results. Cross-validation methods are provided which can be used for model and bandwidth selection.