Estimation of Sib–Sib Correlation via a Kotz-Type Density Function

Abstract

We estimate sib–sib correlation by maximizing the log-likelihood of a Kotz-type distribution. Using extensive simulations we conclude that estimating sib–sib correlation using the proposed method has many advantages. Results are illustrated on a real life data set due to Galton. Testing of hypothesis about this correlation is also discussed using the three likelihood based tests and a test based on Srivastava's estimator. It is concluded that score test derived using Kotz-type density performs the best.

Keywords:

• Galton's data
• Intraclass correlation
• Likelihood ratio test
• Rao score test
• Srivastava estimator
• Wald test

Mathematics Subject Classification:

• Primary 62H12, 62H15
• Secondary 62P10