Semi-parametric Extended Poisson Process Models for Count Data

A general framework for the analysis of count data (with covariates) is proposed using formulations for the transition rates of a state-dependent birth process. The form for the transition rates incorporates covariates proportionally, with the residual distribution determined from a smooth non-parametric state-dependent form. Computation of the resulting probabilities is discussed, leading to model estimation using a penalized likelihood function. Two data sets are used as illustrative examples, one representing underdispersed Poisson-like data and the other overdispersed binomial-like data.