I have a question about constructing the likelihood function where there is censoring at level 1 in a two-level random effects sum.
In a conventional solution, the likelihood function is constructed using the density for failures and the survivor function for (in this case, right) censored results. Within (for example) an R environment, this is easy to do and gives the same solution as survreg even if it is a little heavy. But where there is an hierarchical situation, we need to consider the contributions at level 2. y_ij=X_ij.beta'+err2_i+err1_ij If all the units at level 1 for a given level 2 are censored, then the information we have for the level 2 is itself censored and we should presumably use the survivor function. Conversely if none of the units at level 1 are censored, then the information at level 2 is complete and the density should be used. But what do we do if only some of the level 1 units for a given level 2 are censored? My instinct is to weight the density and survivor functions for that given level 2 case according to the proportion of level 1 failures. Am I right? For a number of reasons I don't want to code for specific distributions and I am quite happy to use a sledge hammer to crack a walnut with optim().:) Best wishes John John Logsdon "Try to make things as simple Quantex Research Ltd, Manchester UK as possible but not simpler" [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] +44(0)161 445 4951/G:+44(0)7717758675 www.quantex-research.com ______________________________________________ R-help@stat.math.ethz.ch mailing list https://stat.ethz.ch/mailman/listinfo/r-help PLEASE do read the posting guide http://www.R-project.org/posting-guide.html and provide commented, minimal, self-contained, reproducible code.
