A goodness-of-fit test for regression models with spatially correlated errors

Abstract: The problem of assessing a parametric regression model in the presence of spatial correlation is addressed in this work. For that purpose, a goodness-of-fit test based on a $L_2$-distance comparing a parametric and a nonparametric regression estimators is proposed. Asymptotic properties of the test statistic, both under the null hypothesis and under local alternatives, are derived. Additionally, a bootstrap procedure is designed to calibrate the test in practice. Finite sample performance of the test is analyzed through a simulation study, and its applicability is illustrated using a real data example.