On the continuity of the Tukey depth function for fuzzy data

RESUMO

The practical use of statistical depth for fuzzy data requires regularity, inferential stability, and computational feasibility. This paper studies these aspects for the first time for the fuzzy depth, in particular for the fuzzy Tukey depth. In particular, we investigate the continuity of this depth with respect to each of its arguments. As a function of the elements of the underlying space, we prove its upper semicontinuity under the main metrics used in fuzzy spaces. As a function of the distribution with respect to which the depth is computed, we establish the almost sure uniform consistency of its empirical version for continuous fuzzy random variables. These results ensure closed depth regions and support the use of sample depth values to approximate their population counterparts. We also derive consistency of empirical deepest-point estimators and study a finite-grid approximation of the depth, supported by theoretical and simulation results.