Randomization Tests: Computer Time Requirements

Summary

Even though randomization tests are the most powerful of nonparametric tests and are the only valid tests to employ when there has been random assignment, but not random selection, of subjects in experiments (a common practice in psychology), such tests are rarely used by psychologists. The limited adoption of randomization tests is primarily a consequence of the great amount of computation they require. The present study shows, however, that the computation for randomization test counterparts of the t test and one-way analysis of variance can be relatively inexpensive when performed by a high-speed computer.