In this book, an integrated introduction to statistical inference is
provided from a frequentist likelihood-based viewpoint. Classical
results are presented together with recent developments, largely built
upon ideas due to R.A. Fisher. The term "neo-Fisherian" highlights
this.After a unified review of background material (statistical models,
likelihood, data and model reduction, first-order asymptotics) and
inference in the presence of nuisance parameters (including
pseudo-likelihoods), a self-contained introduction is given to
exponential families, exponential dispersion models, generalized linear
models, and group families. Finally, basic results of higher-order
asymptotics are introduced (index notation, asymptotic expansions for
statistics and distributions, and major applications to likelihood
inference).The emphasis is more on general concepts and methods than on
regularity conditions. Many examples are given for specific statistical
models. Each chapter is supplemented with problems and bibliographic
notes. This volume can serve as a textbook in intermediate-level
undergraduate and postgraduate courses in statistical inference.