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Essay on Chi Square
A non-parametric test, like chi square, is a rough estimate of confidence; it accepts weaker, less accurate data as input than parametric tests (like t-tests and analysis of variance, for example) and therefore has less status in the pantheon of statistical tests. Chi Square Requirements are:
- The sample must be randomly drawn from the population.
- Data must be reported in raw frequencies (not percentages);
- Measured variables must be independent;
- Values/categories on independent and dependent variables must be mutually exclusive and exhaustive;
- Observed frequencies cannot be too small.
Computing Chi Square
Let's walk through the process by which a chi square value is computed, using Table 1.a., below).
The first step is to determine our threshold of tolerance for error. For our purposes, we'll set a probability of error threshold of 1 in 20, or p < .05, for our Footwear study.)
The second step is to total all rows and columns:
Table 1.a. Male and Female Undergraduate Footwear Preferences: Observed Frequencies with Row and Column Totals............
