On some properties of ML and REML estimators in mixed normal models with two variance components

Abstract

In the paper, the problem of estimation of variance components σ 2 1 and σ 2 2 by using the ML-method and REML-method in a normal mixed linear model N Y, E(Y ) = Xβ, Cov(Y ) = σ 2 1 V + σ 2 2 I n is considered. This paper deal with properties of estimators of variance components, particularly when an explicit form of these estimators is unknown. The conditions when the ML and REML estimators can be expressed in explicit forms are given, too. The simulation study for one-way classification unbalanced random model together with a new proposition of approximation of expectation and variances of ML and REML estimators are shown. Numerical calculations with reference to the generalized Fisher's information are also given.