Wald–Wolfowitz test

a nonparametric test of the null hypothesis that two samples have been taken from identical populations, based on whether the number of runs or sequences in an ordering is random. For instance, consider the following ordering of males (M) and females (F) from 1 to 27 according to their performance on a task:
MMMFFFMMMMFFMMMFFFFFFFMMFMM
.
In this data set, there are nine runs. If the two samples are from the same population, then the males and females will be well mixed and the number of runs thus will be large (e.g., close to 25); if the number of runs is small, as in this example, the ordering cannot be caused by chance fluctuation and the null hypothesis thus is rejected. Also called runs test. [Abraham Wald (1902–1950), Hungarian-born mathematician; Jacob Wolfowitz (1910–1981), U.S. psychologist]

Browse dictionary by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Psychology term of the day

December 22nd 2024

Machiavellianism

n. a personality trait marked by a calculating attitude toward human relationships and a belief that ends justify means, however ruthless. A Machiavellian is one who views other people more or less as objects to be manipulated in pursuit of his or her goals, if necessary through deliberate deception. [Niccolò Machiavelli, who argued that an effective ruler must be prepared to act in this way]