Chi-Square Distribution (X²) – Tutorial With Examples

03.04.23 Types of distributions Time to read: 5min

How do you like this article?

0 Reviews


Chi-square-distribution-01

The chi-square distribution is an essential concept within statistics, frequently used as the essence for statistical tests, such as the chi-square test of independence and the chi-square goodness-of-fit test. In general, the chi-square distribution poses a framework in inferential statistics and hypothesis testing, particularly in relation to assessing statistical significance and dealing with categorical data.

Chi-Square Distribution – In a Nutshell

  • The chi-square distribution is a constant probability dispersal
  • It is commonly applied in hypothesis testing and inferential statistics.
  • The parameter k represents the degree of freedom.
  • It determines the outline of a chi-square distribution.
  • Among the chi-square distribution, are the normal distribution and Poisson distributions.

Definition: Chi-square distribution

The chi-square distribution is a constant hypothetical dispersal of values for a population. It is commonly applied in statistical tests. The parameter k, which denotes the degrees of freedom, governs the outline of a chi-square distribution. The chi-square distribution applies to theoretical distributions. In contrast, normal and Poisson distributions apply in real-world distributions.

Utilise the final format revision for a flawless end product
Before the printing process of your dissertation, revise your formatting using our 3D preview feature. This provides an accurate virtual depiction of what the physical version will look like, ensuring the end product aligns with your vision.

Chi-square distribution vs. standard normal distribution

The chi-square distribution is closely related to the standard regular dispersal; hence its application in hypothesis testing. The standard normal distribution is a normal distribution with a nasty and variance of zero and one, respectively.

Example

Assessing chi-square distribution from standard normal distribution when k = 1

  • You pick a casual model of an ordinary normal distribution, denoted as (Z).
  • Squaring all the sample values would give you the chi-distribution with parameters of 1 (k = 1).

Therefore:

X21= (Z)2

Example

Assessing chi-square distribution from standard normal distribution when k = 2

  • You pick models from two typical normal distributions labelled (Z1 and Z2).
  • Every time you sample a set of values, you square and add them together to get the chi-square distribution with parameters equal to two (k = 2).

Therefore:

X22= (Z1)2+ (Z2)2

Evaluating the k degrees of freedom

Generally, if you are ample from k autonomous average nominal distributions and square and quantify their values, you will yield a chi-square distribution in the existence of k degrees of freedom.

Therefore:

X2k= (Z2)2+XXX+(Zk)2

Chi-square distribution formula

Chi-square assessments are types of hypothesis tests whose test statistics tail a chi-square distribution in the null proposition. The most common chi-square test is Pearson’s chi-square assessment, which was also the first to be discovered.

The table explains Pearson’s chi-square test figure:

where

The test measurement of a sampled population usually follows a chi-square distribution if the null hypothesis is correct. This applies where you sample a population severally and find the Pearson’s test statistic for every trial.

Chi-square distribution shape

Graphs of the chi-square probability compactness function illustrate how the chi-square distribution alters as k increases. A concentration function defines a continuous prospect dispersal.

K = 1 or K = 2

The outline of a chi-square distribution alters depending on the value of k. When k is ½, the shape curves back into a “J.” This implies a high probability of the X2 being close to zero.

K greater than 2

When the parameter is better than two, the chi-square distribution appears hump-shaped. This implies that it starts out low followed by an increase, then a decrease. This denotes a low probability of X2 being close to zero. In contrast, when the parameter (k) is slightly more than two, the chi distribution will be longer on the right peak side than on the left.

The chi distribution tends to resemble the normal distribution as k increases. In some instances (when k is 90 or more) the normal distribution applies as an estimate of a chi-square distribution.

Print Your Thesis Now
BachelorPrint is a leading online printing service that provides several benefits for students in the UK:
  • ✓ 3D live preview of your individual configuration
  • ✓ Free express delivery for every single purchase
  • ✓ Top-notch bindings with customised embossing

to printing services

Properties of a chi-square distribution

Chi-square distribution usually has some standard properties. Here are its properties:

Property Symbol
Type (Discrete/ continuous) Continuous
Variance 2k
Mean K
Standard deviation Square root of 2k
Mode K – 2 (if k less than 2)
Range Zero to infinity
Symmetry Rightly-skewed, increasing as k increases

Chi-square distribution example

The chi-square distribution is applied in many statistical and theoretical tests. Here are the most frequent tests it is applied on:

Pearson’s chi-square test

This is a statistical test for definite statistics used to determine the significance of the difference between the data and your expectations.

There are two categories of Pearson’s chi-square tests:

Example

Design a study to test the most popular t-shirt color sold by a particular company. Gather sales data for different colors over a specific full stop to find the F value. The chi-square test of good fit will help you determine if the F values differ significantly from equal frequencies. Compare Pearson’s chi-square test to the chi-square distribution to calculate the probability that the frequencies occur coincidentally.

Population variance inferences

The chi-square distribution comes in handy when making extrapolations about standard deviation or variance. It helps with hypothesis testing to determine if the population variance equates to a specific value or to calculate its confidence intervals.

Example

In a study to determine if all staff members with the equal seniority level get similar wages, compare the chi-square test statistic to the chi-square distribution to determine whether to reject or retain the null hypothesis.

F distribution

The chi-square distribution helps with defining the incidence distribution, especially in ANOVAs.

Example

Pick random samples from the distribution and divide them by k. Repeat it with a separate distribution and find the ratio of the values. The ratio is the F distribution.

Non-central chi-square distribution

This is an overall kind of chi-square distribution used in some forms of power analyses. It features an extra lambda and non-central parameter, which changes its shape. Its peak shifts to the right and increases as the variance grows. The lambda parameter defines the nasty figure of the normal dispersal.

FAQs

The curve shifts from downward to hump-shaped. The more the k increases, the more right-skewed it gets.

The chi-square distribution is a constant probability dispersal commonly applied in hypothesis testing.

There are two types. They are:

  • the chi-square test of good fit
  • the chi-square freedom test

The chi-square distribution is used to define the quantity of a squared random variable.

From

Lisa Neumann

How do you like this article?

0 Reviews
 
About the author

Lisa Neumann is studying marketing management in a dual programme at IU Nuremberg and is working towards a bachelor's degree. They have already gained practical experience and regularly write scientific papers as part of their studies. Because of this, Lisa is an excellent fit for the BachelorPrint team. In this role, they emphasize the importance of high-quality content and aim to help students navigate their engaged academic lives. As a student themself, they understand what truly matters and what support students need.

Show all articles from this author
About
BachelorPrint | The #1 Online Printing Service
For Students

Specialised in the printing and binding of academic papers, theses, and dissertations, BachelorPrint provides a comprehensive variety of bindings and design options. The BachelorPrint online printing service sets out to facilitate that every single British student attains the binding of their dreams.<br/>Beyond that, BachelorPrint publishes a multitude of educational articles on diverse subjects related to academic writing in their Study Guide section, which assists students in the creation of their thesis or dissertation.


Cite This Article

Bibliography

Neumann, L. (2023, April 03). Chi-Square Distribution (X²) – Tutorial With Examples. BachelorPrint. https://www.bachelorprint.com/uk/statistics/chi-square-distribution/ (retrieved 22/12/2024)

In-text citation

Parenthetical
(Neumann , 2023)
Narrative
Neumann (2023)

Bibliography

Neumann, Lisa. 2023. "Chi-Square Distribution (X²) – Tutorial With Examples." BachelorPrint, Retrieved April 03, 2023. https://www.bachelorprint.com/uk/statistics/chi-square-distribution/.

In-text citation

Parenthetical
(Neumann 2023)

Bibliography

Lisa Neumann, "Chi-Square Distribution (X²) – Tutorial With Examples," BachelorPrint, April 03, 2023, https://www.bachelorprint.com/uk/statistics/chi-square-distribution/ (retrieved December 22, 2024).

Footnotes

Short note
Neumann, "Shortened title."

Bibliography

Neumann, Lisa: Chi-Square Distribution (X²) – Tutorial With Examples, in: BachelorPrint, 03/04/2023, [online] https://www.bachelorprint.com/uk/statistics/chi-square-distribution/ (retrieved 22/12/2024).

Footnotes

Full note
Neumann, Lisa: Chi-Square Distribution (X²) – Tutorial With Examples, in: BachelorPrint, 03/04/2023, [online] https://www.bachelorprint.com/uk/statistics/chi-square-distribution/ (retrieved 22/12/2024).
Direct quote
Neumann, 2023.
Indirect quote
Neumann, 2023.

Bibliography

Neumann, Lisa (2023): Chi-Square Distribution (X²) – Tutorial With Examples, in: BachelorPrint, [online] https://www.bachelorprint.com/uk/statistics/chi-square-distribution/ (retrieved 22/12/2024).

In-text citation

Direct quote
(Neumann, 2023)
Indirect quote
(Neumann, 2023)
Narrative
Neumann (2023)

Bibliography

Neumann, Lisa. "Chi-Square Distribution (X²) – Tutorial With Examples." BachelorPrint, 03/04/2023, https://www.bachelorprint.com/uk/statistics/chi-square-distribution/ (retrieved 22/12/2024).

In-text citation

Parenthetical
(Neumann)
Narrative
Neumann

Bibliography

Number. Neumann L. Chi-Square Distribution (X²) – Tutorial With Examples [Internet]. BachelorPrint. 2023 [cited 22/12/2024]. Available from: https://www.bachelorprint.com/uk/statistics/chi-square-distribution/


New articles