Journal Article

Sums of smooth exponentials to decompose complex series of counts

Camarda, C. G., Eilers, P. H. C., Gampe, J.
Statistical Modelling, 16:4, 279–296 (2016)
Open Access

Abstract

Representing the conditional mean in Poisson regression directly as a sum of smooth components can provide a realistic model of the data generating process. Here, we present an approach that allows such an additive decomposition of the expected values of counts. The model can be formulated as a penalized composite link model and can, therefore, be estimated by a modified iteratively weighted least-squares algorithm. Further shape constraints on the smooth additive components can be enforced by additional penalties, and the model is extended to two dimensions. We present two applications that motivate the model and demonstrate the versatility of the approach.

Keywords: additive components, composite link model, decomposition, penalty, shape constraints

The Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR) in Rostock is one of the leading demographic research centers in the world. It's part of the Max Planck Society, the internationally renowned German research society.