Robust bounded-influence tests in general parametric models

We introduce robust tests for testing hypotheses in a general parametric model. These are robust versions of the Wald, scores, and likelihood ratio tests and are based on general M estimators. Their asymptotic properties and influence functions are derived. It is shown that the stability of the level is obtained by bounding the self-standardized sensitivity of the corresponding M estimator. Furthermore, optimally bounded-influence tests are derived for the Wald- and scores-type tests. Applications to real and simulated data sets are given to illustrate the tests’ performance.