Modal Regression Based on Nonparametric Quantile Estimator

Modal regression based on nonparametric quantile estimator is given. Unlike the traditional mean and median regression, modal regression uses mode but not mean or median to represent the center of a conditional distribution, which helps the model to be more robust for outliers, asymmetric or heavy-tailed distribution. Most of solutions for modal regression are based on kernel estimation of density. This paper studies a new solution for modal regression by means of nonparametric quantile estimator. This method builds on the fact that the distribution function is the inverse of the quantile function, then the flexibility of nonparametric quantile estimator is utilized to improve the estimation of modal function. The simulations and application show that the new model outperforms the modal regression model via linear quantile function estimation.