Introduction to Nonparametric Regression / Wiley Series in Probability and Statistics (PDF)

An easy-to-grasp introduction to nonparametric regression

This book's straightforward, step-by-step approach provides an
excellent introduction to the field for novices of nonparametric
regression. Introduction to Nonparametric Regression clearly
explains the basic concepts underlying nonparametric regression and
features:

* Thorough explanations of various techniques, which avoid complex
mathematics and excessive abstract theory to help readers
intuitively grasp the value of nonparametric regression
methods

* Statistical techniques accompanied by clear numerical examples
that further assist readers in developing and implementing their
own solutions

* Mathematical equations that are accompanied by a clear
explanation of how the equation was derived

The first chapter leads with a compelling argument for studying
nonparametric regression and sets the stage for more advanced
discussions. In addition to covering standard topics, such as
kernel and spline methods, the book provides in-depth coverage of
the smoothing of histograms, a topic generally not covered in
comparable texts.

With a learning-by-doing approach, each topical chapter includes
thorough S-Plus? examples that allow readers to duplicate the same
results described in the chapter. A separate appendix is devoted to
the conversion of S-Plus objects to R objects. In addition, each
chapter ends with a set of problems that test readers' grasp of key
concepts and techniques and also prepares them for more advanced
topics.

This book is recommended as a textbook for undergraduate and
graduate courses in nonparametric regression. Only a basic
knowledge of linear algebra and statistics is required. In
addition, this is an excellent resource for researchers and
engineers in such fields as pattern recognition, speech
understanding, and data mining. Practitioners who rely on
nonparametric regression for analyzing data in the physical,
biological, and social sciences, as well as in finance and
economics, will find this an unparalleled resource.