Robust multiple-set linear canonical analysis based on minimum covariance determinant estimator

Abstract

By deriving influence functions related to multiple-set linear canonical analysis (MSLCA) we show that the classical version of this analysis, based on empirical covariance operators, is not robust. Then, we introduce a robust version of MSLCA by using the MCD estimator of the covariance operator of the involved random vector. The related influence functions are then derived and are shown to be bounded. Asymptotic properties of the introduced robust MSLCA are obtained and permit to propose a robust test for mutual non-correlation. This test is shown to be robust by studying the related second order influence function under the null hypothesis.