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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

Journal of Sedimentary Research (SEPM)

Abstract


Journal of Sedimentary Petrology
Vol. 49 (1979)No. 3. (September), Pages 773-776

Use of the Chi-Square Test for the Analysis of Orientation Data

C. K. Ballantyne, R. Cornish

ABSTRACT

The chi-square test has been extensively employed by geologists and geomorphologists as a measure of the strength or statistical significance of preferred trends within orientation data. The x2 value obtained is dependent on arbitrary selection of the pattern of sectors into which orientation measurements are grouped. The calculation of all possible x2 solutions for 98 sets of 50 stone orientation measurements demonstrated that a wide range of x2 values could be calculated for most samples. The hitherto widespread use of the test in this way cannot therefore be considered a valid mode of analysis, and the results of previous studies employing this methodology must be treated with extreme caution. The use of a different test statist c is advocated.


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