Nonparametric estimation of the location of a maximum in a response surface

Abstract

We explore a nonparametric version of response surface analysis. Estimates for the location where maximum response occurs are proposed and their asymptotic distribution is investigated. The proposed estimates are based on kernel and local least squares methods. We construct asymptotic confidence regions for the location and include comparisons with the quadratic response surface approach. The methods are illustrated for the two-dimensional case with AIDS incidence data, where the point of maximum incidence is of interest.