We deal with the problem of estimating some unknown regression function involved in a regression framework with deterministic
design points. For this end, we consider some collection of finite dimensional linear spaces (models) and the least-squares
estimator built on a data driven selected model among this collection. This data driven choice is performed via the minimization
of some penalized model selection criterion that generalizes on Mallows'
C
p
. We provide non asymptotic risk bounds for the so-defined estimator from which we deduce adaptivity properties. Our results
hold under mild moment conditions on the errors. The statement and the use of a new moment inequality for empirical processes
is at the heart of the techniques involved in our approach.
Key words and phrases: Nonparametric regression – Least-squares estimator – Model selection – Adaptive estimation – Moment
inequality – Concentration of measure – Empirical processes
Mathematics Subject Classification (1991): Primary 62G07; Secondary 62J02, 60E15
Received: 2 July 1997 / Revised version: 20 September 1999 / Published online: 6 July 2000