Chi-square Test of Independence

Used to determine if two nominal variables are independent (not associated)

(o e) 2 e

where the summation extends over all rc cells in the r x c contingency table. If X2 > X2 with df = (r 1)(c 1), reject the null hypothesis of independence at the specified level of significance; otherwise, accept the null hypothesis. Note: Expected frequencies are obtained by multiplying the marginal row total in the pertinent table by the marginal column total to get the product and divide it by the overall total of frequencies or cases in the table.

Sample Problem 1
In an experiment to study the dependence of hypertension on smoking habits, the following data were taken on 180 individuals:

Nonsmokers
Hypertension No Hypertension

Moderate Smokers 36 26

Heavy Smokers 30 19

21 48

Test the hypothesis that the presence or absence of hypertension is independent of smoking habits. Use a 0.05 level of significance.

Ho: Hypertension and smoking habits are independent. H1: Hypertension and smoking habits are not independent. 0.05 level of significance Critical Region: X2 > 5.991

Col 1
Row 1 Observed Expected O-E 21 33.35 -12.35

Col 2
36 29.97 6.03

Col 3
30 23.68 6.32

Total
87 87.00 0.00

(O - E) / E
Row 2 Observed Expected O-E

4.57
48 35.65 12.35

1.21
26 32.03 -6.03

1.68
19 25.32 -6.32

7.47
93 93.00 0.00

(O - E) / E
Total Observed Expected O-E

4.28
69 69.00 0.00

1.14
62 62.00 0.00

1.58
49 49.00 0.00

6.99
180 180.00 0.00

(O - E) / E

8.85

2.35

3.26

14.46

X2 = 14.46

Decision: Reject the null hypothesis and conclude that hypertension and smoking habits are not independent. In other words, there is a significant relationship between hypertension and smoking habits.