Smoothing techniques. With implementation in S (Q1188769)

The aim of the book is to provide a non-technical introduction into the area of smoothing techniques in statistics. Based on a representation of well-known results from the theory of nonparametric density and regression function estimation the application of these methods in the modern computing environment S is discussed. The computational aspects of the estimation algorithms are described in great detail, their implementation in S is included. A main aspect in the text is to present a highly effective algorithm for the solution of the problem of data sparseness in the case of smoothing in high dimensions. For this purpose the author develops a so-called WARPing (Weighted Averaging using Rounded Points)-method, which is based on discretizing the data first into a finite grid of bins and then smoothing the binned data. Since the author has put emphasis on the practical realization of the results coming from the theory of smoothing, the book is recommended in particular to statisticians leaning more towards applied aspects. The text is written at the introductory level and can be used in undergraduate teaching. Each chapter is completed by exercises (with solutions).