RobertNiles.com
About Robert
Reporting Help
Finding Data on the Internet
Questions for Candidates
Stats Lessons
Mean
Median
Percent
Per capita
Standard Deviation
Margin of Error
Data Analysis
Sample Sizes
Stats Tests
Help Board
Bookstore


The Cartoon Guide to Statistics

This isn't some dumb-downed whitewash. It's a must-read for a beginner taking his or her first steps toward understanding stats.
More information
-->

Home > Statistics Every Writer Should Know > The Stats Board > Discusssion

How to determine statistical significance?....
Message posted by mike on November 12, 1999 at 12:00 AM (ET)

I want to compare results of a survey conducted two years in a row. The sample size is different. If last year 83% (n = 53) answered "yes" to a question, and this year, 89% (n = 40) selected "yes", how do I determine if the 89% is a statistically significant change??

Thanks!!


READERS RESPOND:
(In chronological order. Most recent at the bottom.)

Re: How to determine statistical significance?....
Message posted by JG on November 12, 1999 at 12:00 AM (ET)

There are many things you can do. Try a Chi-squared test for independence by setting up a 2 by 2 table, etc.


Re: How to determine statistical significance?....
Message posted by Jack Tomsky on November 12, 1999 at 12:00 AM (ET)

Since you're testing if p1=p2, you can use Fisher's exact test. This is based on the hypergeometric distribution.



Your $5 contribution helps cover part the $500 annual cost of keeping this site online.

Niles Online Sites:RobertNiles.comTheme Park InsiderViolinist.com

RobertNiles.com™, the site, content and services 咀opyright 1996-2002, Robert Niles.
All rights reserved. Questions? Comments? Read my Privacy Policy, or E-mail me!