Asymptotic Relative Efficiencies of the Score and Robust Tests in Genetic Association Studies

Abstract

Introduction:The score statisticZ(θ)and the maximin efficient robust test statisticZMERTare commonly used in genetic association study, but according to our knowledge there is no formal comparison of them.Methods:In this report, we compare the asymptotic behavior ofZ(θ)andZMERT, by computing their Asymptotic Relative Efficiencies (AREs) relative to each other. Four commonly used ARE measures, the Pitman ARE, Chernoff ARE, Hodges-Lehmann ARE and the Bahadur ARE are considered. Some modifications of these methods are made to simplify the computations. We found that the Chernoff, Hodges-Lehmann and Bahadur AREs are suitable for our setting.Results and Conclusion:Based on our study, the efficiencies of the two test statistic varies for different criterion used, and for different parameter values under the same criterion, so each test has its advantages and dis-advantages according to the criterion used and the parameters involved, which are described in the context. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the use of the two statistics in genetic association study.