On combining the zero bias transform and the empirical characteristic function to test normality

Abstract: We propose a new powerful family of tests of univariate normality. These tests are based on an initial value problem in the space of characteristic functions originating from the fixed point property of the normal distribution in the zero bias transform. Limit distributions of the test statistics are provided under the null hypothesis, as well as under contiguous and fixed alternatives. Using the covariance structure of the limiting Gaussian process from the null distribution, we derive explicit formulas for the first four cumulants of the limiting random element and apply the results by fitting a distribution from the Pearson system. A comparative Monte Carlo power study shows that the new tests are serious competitors to the strongest well established tests.