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Chi-Square Test Applications and Examples

The document discusses Chi-Square (X2) distributions, their applications, and the methodology for conducting Chi-Square tests for independence, equality of proportions, and goodness-of-fit. It outlines the characteristics of X2 distributions, the steps for hypothesis testing, and provides illustrative examples involving soft drink preferences and happiness across income groups. The document emphasizes the importance of calculating expected frequencies and the decision-making process based on test statistics and critical values.

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Terfu Chekol
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
35 views6 pages

Chi-Square Test Applications and Examples

The document discusses Chi-Square (X2) distributions, their applications, and the methodology for conducting Chi-Square tests for independence, equality of proportions, and goodness-of-fit. It outlines the characteristics of X2 distributions, the steps for hypothesis testing, and provides illustrative examples involving soft drink preferences and happiness across income groups. The document emphasizes the importance of calculating expected frequencies and the decision-making process based on test statistics and critical values.

Uploaded by

Terfu Chekol
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

X2 table

1
Chapter six
Chi-Square Distributions (x2)
1.1. Areas of application
In previous chapters, we have based our decisions on the assumption that the population was
normally distributed. When this assumption about the population cannot be made, then it
becomes necessary to use other procedures. One of the tests used in such situations is known as
Chi square (X2) test. This test is good for nominal or ordinal scale of measurement.

X2 distribution has the following characteristics


1. It involves squared observations and hence it is always positive.
2. The distribution is skewed to the right so that its skewness is positive.
3. Similar to t distribution, there is a family of chi-square distributions. There is a particular
distribution for each degree of freedom.
The degree of freedom (df) are calculated as follows;

a. df=(k-1), where K is the number of categories in one sample test


b. df=(K-1)(r-1),where K is the number of columns and r is the number of rows in a cross
classification table(contingency table) for various categories of two or more independent
samples.

1.2. Tests for independence between two variables


The chi-square independence test can be used to test the independence of two variables.
Steps:
1. State the null and alternative hypothesis
H0: the column variable is independent of the row variable
H1: the column variable is not independent of the row variable

1
2. Select a random sample and record the observed frequencies
3. Compute expected frequencies
4. Compute the value of the test statistic
5. Decision rule: Reject H0 if X2≥ X2α

Illustration: Let us illustrate the test of independence by considering the study conducted by the
MOHA soft drink company. MOHA manufactures and distributes three types of Soft drink:
Mirinda, 7 UP, and Pepsi. In an analysis of the market segments for the three Soft drinks, the
firm’s market research group raised the question of whether preferences for the three Soft drinks
differ among male and female drinkers. If soft drinks preference is independent of the gender of
the drinker, one advertising campaign will be initiated for all of MOHA’s soft drink. However, if
soft drink preference depends on the gender of the drinker, the firm will tailor its promotions to
different target markets.

Step 1:
H0: Soft drink preference is independent of the gender of the drinker.
H1: Soft drink preference is not independent of the gender of the drinker.
Step 2: After identification of the population as all male and female drinkers, a sample selected
and each individual asked to state his or her preference for the three soft drinks.
Contingency table* for soft drink preference and gender
GENDER SOFT DRINK PREFERENCE

Mirinda 7 UP Pepsi Total


Male 20 40 20 80
Female 30 30 10 70
Total 50 70 30 150
*When data are arranged in table form for the chi-square test, the table is called a contingency table.

Step 3: Expected Frequencies


GENDE SOFT DRINK PREFERENCE
R
Mirin 7 UP Pep Total
da si
Male 26.67 37.33 16 80
Female 23.33 32.67 14 70
Total 50 70 30 150

Expected frequency = (Row total)(Column total)

2
Sample size

Step 4:

Computation of the chi square test statistic

Gender Preference Observed Expected fij - eij (fij - eij)2 (fij - eij)2
frequency(fij) frequency(eij) eij
Male Mirinda 20 26.67 -6.67 44.44 1.67
Male 7 UP 40 37.33 2.67 7.11 0.19
Male Pepsi 20 16 4.00 16.00 1.00
Female Mirinda 30 23.33 6.67 44.44 1.90
Female 7 UP 30 32.67 -2.67 7.11 0.22
Female Pepsi 10 14 4.00 16 1.14
Total 150 X2=6.12
Step 5: Degree of freedom= (2-1)(3-1)= 2

X20.05 at degree of freedom=2 is 5.991, X2 > X2α , therefore Reject H0. The preference is not
independent of the gender of the drinker.

1.3. Tests for the equality of several proportions


In this situation, samples are selected from several different populations, and the researcher is
interested in determining whether the proportions of elements that have a common characteristic
are the same for each population.

Illustration: A psychologist selected 100 people from each of four income groups and asked
them if they were “very happy.” The percent for each group who responded yes and the number
from the survey are shown in the table. At a 0.05 level of significance test the claim that there is
no difference in the proportions.

Household Less than 30,000 – 75,000 – 100,000 or Total


income 30,000 (24%) 74,999 (33%) 99,999 (38%) more (49%)
Yes 24 33 38 49 144

3
No 76 67 62 51 256
Total 100 100 100 100 400
Solution
Step 1: State the hypotheses and identify the claim.
H0: p1 = p2 = p3 = p4
H1: At least one proportion differs from the others.
Step 2: Find the critical value. (R - 1)(C - 1) = (2 - 1)(4 - 1) = 3. The critical value is 7.815.
Step 3: Compute the test value.
EXPECTED FREQUENCIES
Household Less than 30,000 – 75,000 – 100,000 or Total
income 30,000 (24%) 74,999 (33%) 99,999 (38%) more (49%)
Yes 36 36 36 36 144
No 64 64 64 64 256
Total 100 100 100 100 400

Calculation of X2

Step 4: Make the decision reject the null hypothesis since 14.149 > 7.815.

1.4. Goodness- of fit tests


The X2 test is used to test whether there is a significance difference between the observed number
of responses in each category and the expected number of responses for such category under the
assumptions of null hypothesis. In other words, the objective is to find out how well the
distribution of observed frequencies (fo) fit the distribution of expected frequencies (fe).

Illustration: Assume that a shoe manufacturer company sold 30 pairs of shoes. There is six size
of shoes and the company expects the size of shoes are sold in equal proportion, that is each size
is sold 5 times. In the survey conducted, the actual number of frequency each size sold in
sequence is as follows; 4, 7, 3, 6, 8, 2. A comparison of observed frequency and expected
frequency is tabulated below;

4
Size
A B C D E F
Observed frequency 4 7 3 6 8 2
Expected frequency 5 5 5 5 5 5

Steps involved in X2 test


Step 1: H0: All sizes are equally likely to occur.
P1=P2=P3=P4=P5=P6
H1: All probabilities are not equally likely to occur.
Step 2: Assume α =0.05 .
Step 3: Expected frequency (fe) = 5.
Step 4:
X2 = (4-5)2/5 + (7-5)2/5 + (3-5)2/5 + (6-5)2/5 + (8-5)2/5 +(2-5)2/5
=1/5 + 4/5 + 4/5 + 1/5 + 9/5 +9/5
= 28/5 = 5.6
Step 5: Critical value of X20.05 and df = (K-1) = (6-1) = 5 is given as 11.07.
Since our computed value of X2 = 5.6 is less than the critical value of X2=11.07, we can
accept the null hypothesis.

Common questions

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The Chi-square test for the equality of several proportions differs as it evaluates whether proportions of a characteristic are the same across multiple groups, focusing on comparison within multiple populations rather than the relationship between two variables. Its application is used when comparing proportions across groups, such as analyzing demographic data in happiness surveys, to determine if differences in group proportions are statistically significant .

The Chi-square test for independence determines whether two variables are independent by comparing observed frequencies with expected frequencies in a contingency table. Steps involved include stating the null and alternative hypotheses, selecting a random sample and recording observed frequencies, calculating expected frequencies, computing the test statistic, and applying the decision rule to reject or not reject the null hypothesis based on whether the computed statistic exceeds the critical value .

The degrees of freedom in a Chi-square test determine the shape of the Chi-square distribution used for the test, influencing the critical value against which the test statistic is compared. Accurate calculation of degrees of freedom is essential because an incorrect value can lead to inappropriate critical value selection, affecting hypothesis test conclusions, such as misestimation of significance in model fitting or independence testing .

The Chi-square distribution has a family of distributions because its shape changes with different degrees of freedom, which is vital for tailoring its application to varied statistical scenarios. This feature enhances its utility in hypothesis testing by accommodating the specific variation in data based on sample size and complexity of the model, ensuring robustness across diverse research contexts such as independence tests, goodness-of-fit, and proportion testing .

Conducting a Chi-square goodness-of-fit test involves stating null and alternative hypotheses about uniform probability distribution, calculating expected frequencies, computing the Chi-square statistic from the discrepancies between observed and expected frequencies, and comparing the statistic against a critical value at a known significance level. The decision rule is to accept the null hypothesis if the computed Chi-square is less than the critical value, suggesting no significant deviation from expected distribution .

The significance level in Chi-square tests, typically set at 0.05, defines the threshold probability for rejecting the null hypothesis, representing the risk of concluding that an effect exists when it does not. It is crucial because it balances Type I error risks, influencing the tests' sensitivity to detecting true association or model fit, thereby informing decisions with controlled error margins in testing hypotheses .

Rejecting the null hypothesis in a goodness-of-fit test indicates a significant deviation between observed and expected data distributions. This outcome implies that the data does not fit the expected model, signaling possible inadequacies in assumptions or model selection. This is crucial in scenarios such as product market testing, customer preferences, or any distribution-based forecasts, where accurate model alignment is essential for strategic decision-making .

The Chi-square distribution is always positive and skewed to the right due to its reliance on squared observations, making it suitable for categorical data analysis. This skewness implies that the distribution has a family of forms for each degree of freedom, allowing tests to account for variability within categorical datasets. The positive skew ensures that higher values of the test statistic are inherently less probable under the null hypothesis, which aligns well with hypothesis testing logic .

The conclusion from the Chi-square test indicates that soft drink preference is not independent of gender, as the computed Chi-square value (6.12) exceeds the critical value (5.991) at a 0.05 significance level. This implies that gender impacts soft drink preferences, suggesting differentiated marketing strategies might be more effective .

The Chi-square test is used when the assumption of normal distribution for the population cannot be made because it is suitable for nominal or ordinal scale data, which do not adhere to the requirements of parametric tests assumed under normal distribution. The Chi-square test allows for the testing of categorical data to assess independence or association between variables without the underlying assumption of a normal distribution .

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