Normal linear regression models with recursive graphical Markov structure

A multivariate normal statistical model defined by the Markov properties determined by an acyclic digraph admits a recursive Factorization of its likelihood function (LF) into the product of conditional LFs, each factor having the form of a classical multivariate linear regression model (equivalent to MANOVA model). Here these models are extended in a natural way to normal linear regression models whose LFs continue to admit such recursive factorizations, From which maximum likelihood estimators and likelihood ratio (LR) test statistics can be derived by classical linear methods. The central distribution of the LR test statistic for testing one such multivariate normal linear regression model against another is derived, and the relation of these regression models to block-recursive normal linear systems is established. It is shown how a collection of nonnested dependent normal linear regression models (equivalent to seemingly unrelated regressions) can be combined into a single multi variate normal linear regression model by imposing a parsimonious set of graphical Markov (equivalent to conditional independence) restrictions. (C) 1998 Academic Press.