Improved likelihood ratio test for multinomial goodness of fit

Abstract

For testing goodness-of-fit in a k cell multinomial distribution having very small frequencies, the usual chi-square approximation to the upper tail of the likelihood ratio statistic, G² is not satisfactory. A new adjustment to G² is determined on the basis of analytical investigation in terms of asymptotic bias and variance of the adjusted G² A Monte Carlo simulation is performed for several one-way tables to assess the adjustment of G² in order to obtain a closer approximation to the nomial level of significance.

Keywords:

• likelihood ratio test
• asymptotic bias
• asymptotic variance