Conflict among Testing Procedures?

Abstract

Savin (1976) and Berndt and Savin (1977), among others, have pointed out that an inequality relation exists between the Lagrange Multiplier Test, the Wald Test, and the Likelihood Ratio Test. However, since all tests converge to the same limiting Chi-square distribution they are usually compared against the same critical value. This raises the possibility of conflicting conclusions from the three tests. Kohler (1979) and Vandaele (1981) have shown that the three tests are monotonic functions of each other. This implies that they have identical power characteristics. In particular, if the probabilities of Type I errors are equal among the three tests, they have to have the same probability of Type II errors as well. In essence we are dealing with one and the same test. In this paper, we review briefly how the tests are related and why the inequality relation exists. We then derive criteria which allow us to determine which test is more appropriate in a given situation. This should resolve possible conflicts for at least some sets of circumstances.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1982
Accession Number
ADA119475

Entities

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  • Daniel F. Kohler

Organizations

  • RAND Corporation

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  • Energy and Power Technologies

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  • Aerospace Test and Evaluation
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