7.1.5

Chi-Squared Test

Test yourself

Overview of Chi-Squared

The chi-squared test is used in genetics to compare the goodness of fit of observed data with expected data. It tests if the difference between observed and expected values is due to chance.

Illustrative background for InheritanceIllustrative background for Inheritance ?? "content

Inheritance

  • Genetic diagrams are used to predict the expected phenotypic ratio of offspring.
  • Predictions are rarely 100% accurate because of the random nature of gametes fusing during fertilisation.
  • Chi-squared is used to compare observed phenotypic ratios with expected ratios.
  • Chi-squared tells us if the difference between the observed and expected ratios are due to chance.
Illustrative background for RequirementsIllustrative background for Requirements ?? "content

Requirements

  • The Chi-squared test is used when:
    • Variation is discrete not continuous. This means the data are in categories (e.g. Aa and aa).
    • Data show absolute numbers (whole numbers), normally frequencies.
Illustrative background for Null hypothesisIllustrative background for Null hypothesis ?? "content

Null hypothesis

  • Before using chi-squared, a null hypothesis is stated.
  • The null hypothesis is:
    • 'There is no significant difference between observed and expected data, the difference is due to chance'.
  • The chi-squared test is used to reject or accept the null hypothesis.
Illustrative background for EquationIllustrative background for Equation ?? "content

Equation

  • The equation for chi-squared is:
    • χ=Σ  (OE)2E\chi = \Sigma \; \frac{(O - E)^2}{E}
      • O = observed values.
      • E = expected values.

Chi-Squared Test

The steps involved in applying the chi-squared test are:

Illustrative background for EquationIllustrative background for Equation ?? "content

Equation

  • The equation for chi-squared is:
  • χ=Σ  (OE)2E\chi = \Sigma \; \frac{(O - E)^2}{E}
    • O = observed values.
    • E = expected values.
Illustrative background for 1) Calculate expected valuesIllustrative background for 1) Calculate expected values ?? "content

1) Calculate expected values

  • To use the chi-squared equation, the expected values need to be calculated.
  • Expected values are predicted using genetic diagrams.
  • The expected values are the phenotypic ratios given by the genetic diagram.
  • Compare the expected values with observed values and use these numbers in the equation.
Illustrative background for 2) Calculate chi-squaredIllustrative background for 2) Calculate chi-squared ?? "content

2) Calculate chi-squared

  • Using the chi-squared equation, calculate the chi-squared value.
Illustrative background for 3) Find the critical valueIllustrative background for 3) Find the critical value ?? "content

3) Find the critical value

  • Calculate the degrees of freedom.
    • Degrees of freedom = the number of categories (e.g. phenotypes) − 1.
  • Find the critical value that corresponds to the degrees of freedom in a probability distribution table at 0.05 significance level.
Illustrative background for 4) Accept the null hypothesis?Illustrative background for 4) Accept the null hypothesis? ?? "content

4) Accept the null hypothesis?

  • Compare the chi-squared value to the critical value.
  • If the chi-squared value is lower than the critical value - accept the null hypothesis.
    • The difference between observed and expected data is due to chance.
Illustrative background for Reject the null hypothesis?Illustrative background for Reject the null hypothesis? ?? "content

Reject the null hypothesis?

  • If the chi-squared value is greater than the critical value - reject the null hypothesis.
    • The difference between observed and expected data is NOT due to chance.
    • This means we would get this chi-squared value in less than 5% of cases, which is very unlikely.

Jump to other topics

1Biological Molecules

2Cells

3Substance Exchange

4Genetic Information & Variation

5Energy Transfers (A2 only)

6Responding to Change (A2 only)

7Genetics & Ecosystems (A2 only)

8The Control of Gene Expression (A2 only)

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson