Fisher's exact test is a statistical significance test used in the analysis of contingency tables. Although in practice it is employed when sample sizes are small, it is valid for all sample sizes. It is named after its inventor, R. A. Fisher, and is one of a class of exact tests, so called because the significance of the deviation from a null hypothesis can be calculated exactly, rather than relying on an approximation that becomes exact in the limit as the sample size grows to infinity, as with many statistical tests. Fisher is said to have devised the test following a comment from Dr Muriel Bristol, who claimed to be able to detect whether the tea or the milk was added first to her cup; see lady tasting tea.
Read more about Fisher's Exact Test: Purpose and Scope, Example, Controversies, Alternatives
Famous quotes containing the words fisher, exact and/or test:
“Chicago, Chicago, that toddlin’ town.”
—Fred Fisher (1875–1942)
“The primary function of myth is to validate an existing social order. Myth enshrines conservative social values, raising tradition on a pedestal. It expresses and confirms, rather than explains or questions, the sources of cultural attitudes and values.... Because myth anchors the present in the past it is a sociological charter for a future society which is an exact replica of the present one.”
—Ann Oakley (b. 1944)
“If a test of civilization be sought, none can be so sure as the condition of that half of society over which the other half has power.”
—Harriet Martineau (1802–1876)