You have 3 free guides left 😟
Unlock your guides
You have 3 free guides left 😟
Unlock your guides

13.1 Chi-Square Goodness-of-Fit Test

2 min readjuly 23, 2024

The helps determine if categorical data matches a specific distribution. It compares observed frequencies to expected ones, calculating a test statistic to assess the fit between sample data and hypothesized population distribution.

Interpreting results involves comparing the test statistic to a critical value or using the . This helps decide whether to reject or fail to reject the null hypothesis, indicating if the sample data significantly differs from the expected distribution.

Chi-Square Goodness-of-Fit Test

Purpose of chi-square goodness-of-fit test

Top images from around the web for Purpose of chi-square goodness-of-fit test
Top images from around the web for Purpose of chi-square goodness-of-fit test
  • Determines if a sample of categorical data (colors, types) comes from a population with a specific distribution
  • Compares observed frequencies of categories in the sample to expected frequencies based on the hypothesized distribution
  • Applicable when data is categorical or nominal, sample is randomly selected, and of each category is at least 5

Calculation of chi-square test statistic

  • Calculate expected frequencies for each category by multiplying hypothesized probability of each category by total
  • statistic calculated using formula χ2=i=1k(OiEi)2Ei\chi^2 = \sum_{i=1}^{k} \frac{(O_i - E_i)^2}{E_i}
    • OiO_i represents for category ii (actual count)
    • EiE_i represents expected frequency for category ii (calculated based on hypothesized distribution)
    • kk represents number of categories (options, choices)

Degrees of freedom for chi-square tests

  • for chi-square goodness-of-fit test calculated as [df](https://www.fiveableKeyTerm:df)=k1[df](https://www.fiveableKeyTerm:df) = k - 1
    • kk represents number of categories
  • Critical value determined by significance level (α\alpha), degrees of freedom
    • Found using chi-square distribution table or statistical software (Excel, R)

Interpretation of chi-square test results

  • Compare calculated chi-square test statistic to critical value
    1. If test statistic greater than critical value,
      • Suggests sample data does not follow hypothesized distribution (significantly different)
    2. If test statistic less than or equal to critical value, fail to reject null hypothesis
      • Suggests sample data consistent with hypothesized distribution (not significantly different)
  • P-value also used to make decision
    • If p-value less than significance level (α\alpha), reject null hypothesis
    • If p-value greater than or equal to significance level (α\alpha), fail to reject null hypothesis
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.
Glossary
Glossary