2 Proportion Z Test Formula:
From: | To: |
The 2 Proportion Z Test is a statistical method used to determine whether there is a significant difference between two population proportions based on sample data. It compares the proportions from two independent groups to assess if they come from populations with equal proportions.
The calculator uses the 2 Proportion Z Test formula:
Where:
Explanation: The test calculates a Z-score that measures how many standard deviations the difference between proportions is from zero (no difference).
Details: This test is crucial for comparing proportions between two groups in various fields including medical research, marketing studies, social sciences, and quality control. It helps determine if observed differences are statistically significant or due to random chance.
Tips: Enter proportions as decimals between 0 and 1. Sample sizes must be positive integers. Ensure your data meets the assumptions of the test (independent samples, sufficient sample size).
Q1: What are the assumptions for this test?
A: The test assumes independent samples, random sampling, and sufficiently large sample sizes (typically n×p ≥ 5 and n×(1-p) ≥ 5 for both groups).
Q2: How do I interpret the Z-score?
A: Compare the absolute Z-score to critical values from the standard normal distribution. Typically, |Z| > 1.96 indicates significance at α=0.05 level.
Q3: When should I use this test instead of a chi-square test?
A: The 2 Proportion Z Test is used specifically for comparing two proportions, while chi-square can handle more categories. Both give similar results for 2×2 contingency tables.
Q4: What is the pooled proportion?
A: The pooled proportion is a weighted average of the two sample proportions, used to estimate the common population proportion under the null hypothesis.
Q5: Can I use this test for small samples?
A: For small samples, Fisher's exact test may be more appropriate as the Z-test relies on normal approximation which requires larger sample sizes.