Nonparametric testing for simple regression under progressive censoring with stagering entry and random withdrawal

Abstract

In the context of (multi-center) clinical trials and life testins problems, a general model incorporating both the staggering entry and random withdrawal and pertaining to a simple regression problem (including the two-sample location problem as a special case) is conceived, and, within this framework, a scheme allowing progressive censoring (continuous monitoring of experimentation from the beginning) is developed along with the proposal for and study of some nonparametric testing procedures, The proposed tests rest on the construction of certain two-dimensional time-parameter stochastic processes from a triangular array of progressively censored linear rank statistics and their weak convergence to appropriate Gaussian functions. Asymptotic properties of these procedures are studied. A computer program pertaining to the numerical computations and practical administrations of these testing procedures is also provided at the end.