This book systematically introduces the theory of the GCM with particular emphasis on their multivariate statistical diagnostics, which are based mainly on recent developments made by the authors and their collaborators. Provided are complete proofs of theorems as well as practical data sets and MATLAB code.

Growth curve models are an active research area in multivariate analysis with applications to economics, biology, medical research, and epidemiology. This monograph by two of the leading researchers in the area discusses both theoretical and practical aspects.

1 Introduction.- 1.1 General Remarks.- 1.2 Statistical Diagnostics in Multivariate Analysis.- 1.3 Growth Curve Model (GCM).- 1.4 Summary.- 1.5 Preliminary Results.- 1.6 Further Readings.- 2 Generalized Least Square Estimation.- 2.1 General Remarks.- 2.2 Generalized Least Square Estimation.- 2.3 Admissible Estimate of Regression Coefficient.- 2.4 Bibliographical Notes.- 3 Maximum Likelihood Estimation.- 3.1 Maximum Likelihood Estimation.- 3.2 Rao's Simple Covariance Structure (SCS).- 3.3 Restricted Maximum Likelihood Estimation.- 3.4 Bibliographical Notes.- 4 Discordant Outlier and Influential Observation.- 4.1 General Remarks.- 4.2 Discordant Outlier Detection in the GCM with SCS.- 4.3 Influential Observation in the GCM with SCS.- 4.4 Discordant Outlier Detection in the GCM with UC.- 4.5 Influential Observation in the GCM with UC.- 4.6 Bibliographical Notes.- 5 Likelihood-Based Local Influence.- 5.1 General Remarks.- 5.2 Local Influence Assessment in the GCM with SCS.- 5.3 Local Influence Assessment in the GCM with UC.- 5.4 Bibliographical Notes.- 6 Bayesian Influence Assessment.- 6.1 General Remarks.- 6.2 Bayesian Influence Analysis in the GCM with SCS.- 6.3 Bayesian Influence Analysis in the GCM with UC.- 6.4 Bibliographical Notes.- 7 Bayesian Local Influence.- 7.1 General Remarks.- 7.2 Bayesian Local Influence in the GCM with SCS.- 7.3 Bayesian Local Influence in the GCM with UC.- 7.4 Bibliographical Notes.- Appendix Data sets used in this book.- References.- Author Index.