A semiparametric changepoint model

Abstract

A semiparametric changepoint model is considered and the empirical likelihood method is applied to detect the change from a distribution to a weighted distribution in a sequence of independent random variables. The maximum likelihood changepoint estimator is shown to be consistent. The empirical likelihood ratio test statistic is proved to have the same limit null distribution as that with parametric models. A data-based test for the validity of the models is also proposed. Simulation shows the sensitivity and robustness of the semiparametric approach. The methods are applied to some classical datasets such as the Nile River data and stock price data. © 2004 Biometrika Trust.