The chi-square test: Its use in rehabilitation research

Kenneth J. Ottenbacher

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: This report examines the impact of collecting and analyzing sequential data from the same sample using the chi-square test. Researchers in rehabilitation frequently analyze categorical data collected repeatedly from the same sample. Design: Simulations were conducted using the chi-square test to analyze data with correlations between pretest and posttest ranging from .20 to .80. The simulations were analyzed using the standard chi-square based on a 2 × 2 contingency table. Results: An incidence of type 1 errors of approximately .30 for an expected alpha of .05 was found when the correlation (serial dependence) between pretest and posttest was high (phi = .80). For simulations using an α = .01, the type 1 error rate was .18 for data with substantial correlation (phi = .80). Conclusion: Rehabilitation researchers who use the chi-square test with data collected repeatedly from the same sample risk committing a type 1 error and misinterpreting their results. Alternatives to the standard chi-square test, such as McNemar's test, should be considered when correlated data are analyzed using a 2 × 2 contingency table.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)678-681
Number of pages4
JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Volume76
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1995
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
  • Rehabilitation

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