Analysis of Paired Dichotomous Data: A Gentle Introduction to the McNemar Test in SPSS

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Omolola A. Adedokun
Wilella D. Burgess

Abstract

Background: Although McNemar Test is the most appropriate tool for analyzing pre-post differences in dichotomous items (e.g., “yes” or “no”, “correct” or “incorrect”, etc.), many scholars have noted the inappropriate use of Pearson’s Chi-square Test by researchers, including social scientists and evaluators, for the analysis of related or dependent dichotomous variables.

 

Purpose: The goal of this paper is to promote the use of McNemar Test among evaluators by providing a gentle introduction to the method.

Setting: Not applicable.

 

Intervention: Not applicable.

 

Research Design: Not applicable.

 

Data Collection and Analysis: Using data from 506 6th grade students’ responses to a pre-post science test; this contribution illustrates how to conduct McNemar Test in SPSS..

 

Findings: This contribution provides a non-technical introduction to McNemar test and illustrates its use in an applied research/evaluation context.

 

Keywords: McNemar Test; paired dichotomous data; Chi-square test; equality of proportions.

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How to Cite
Adedokun, O. A., & Burgess, W. D. (2011). Analysis of Paired Dichotomous Data: A Gentle Introduction to the McNemar Test in SPSS. Journal of MultiDisciplinary Evaluation, 8(17), 125–131. https://doi.org/10.56645/jmde.v8i17.336
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