Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 July 2016
A transition probability kernel P(·,·) is said to be stochastically monotone if P(x, (–∞, y]) is non-increasing in x for every fixed y. A Markov chain is said to be stochastically monotone (SMMC) if its transition probability kernels are stochastically monotone. A new method for tackling the asymptotics of SMMC is given in terms of some limit variables {Wq}. In the temporally homogeneous case a cyclic pattern for {Wq} will describe the limit behaviour of suitably normed and centred processes. As a consequence, geometrically growing constants turn out to pertain to almost sure convergence. Some convergence criteria are given and applications to branching processes and diffusions are outlined.
Research partly carried out while visiting the Center for Stochastic Processes, University of North Carolina and supported by AFOSR # F49620 82 C 0009.