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The Global Insight

What kind of data does a chi-square statistic use?

Author

James Olson

Updated on February 24, 2026

A chi-square (χ2) statistic is a test that measures how a model compares to actual observed data. The data used in calculating a chi-square statistic must be random, raw, mutually exclusive, drawn from independent variables, and drawn from a large enough sample.

Can chi-square be used for count data?

Using command syntax, you can enter a four-level categorical variable and associated counts and run a one-sample chi-square test of the null hypothesis of equal distribution of counts over categories in the population as: DATA LIST LIST / a count. You can also test against specific unequal proportions in each level.

What is a chi-square analysis used for?

A chi-square test is a statistical test used to compare observed results with expected results. The purpose of this test is to determine if a difference between observed data and expected data is due to chance, or if it is due to a relationship between the variables you are studying.

What type of variables is chi-square used for?

The Chi Square statistic is commonly used for testing relationships between categorical variables. The null hypothesis of the Chi-Square test is that no relationship exists on the categorical variables in the population; they are independent.

How do you interpret a chi square statistic?

If your chi-square calculated value is greater than the chi-square critical value, then you reject your null hypothesis. If your chi-square calculated value is less than the chi-square critical value, then you “fail to reject” your null hypothesis.

How do you interpret p-value in Chi Square?

For a Chi-square test, a p-value that is less than or equal to your significance level indicates there is sufficient evidence to conclude that the observed distribution is not the same as the expected distribution. You can conclude that a relationship exists between the categorical variables.

How do you interpret a Chi-square test?

How do you interpret chi-square?

How is the chi square statistic used in research?

Using Chi-Square Statistic in Research The Chi Square statistic is commonly used for testing relationships between categorical variables. The null hypothesis of the Chi-Square test is that no relationship exists on the categorical variables in the population; they are independent.

How is the chi square test for a two way table specified?

A particular chi-square distribution is specified by giving its degrees of freedom. The chi-square test for a two-way table with r rows and c columns uses critical values from the chi-square distribution with (r – 1)(c – 1) degrees of freedom.

What should the frequency of chi square be?

A good chi-square value is assumed to be 5. As we know, for the chi-square approach to be valid, the expected frequency should be at least 5.

Is there a null hypothesis of the chi square test?

The null hypothesis of the Chi-Square test is that no relationship exists on the categorical variables in the population; they are independent. An example research question that could be answered using a Chi-Square analysis would be: Is there a significant relationship between voter intent and political party membership?