title: Basic applications of the chi-square statistic using counting data.
abstract: The chi-square statistic has many scientific applications, including the evaluation of variance in counting data and the proper functioning of a radiation counting system. This paper provides a discussion of the fundamental aspects of the chi-square test using counting data. Practical applications of the chi-square statistic are discussed, including the estimation of extra-Poisson variance and dead time for a counting system. The consequences of passing or failing the chi-square test are discussed regarding the proper estimator for the population variance of the counting data. Example scenarios are used to provide insight into the applications of the chi-square statistic and the interpretation of values obtained in hypothesis testing.
authors.affiliation: University of Massachusetts Lowell, Department of Physics and Applied Physics, 01854, USA. Mark_Tries@unl.edu
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Tries
authors.forename: K W
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Skrable
authors.forename: C S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: French
authors.forename: G E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Chabot
mesh_terms: D002588:Cesium Radioisotopes / Q000032:analysis; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003037:Cobalt Radioisotopes / Q000032:analysis; D005720:Gamma Rays; D015233:Models, Statistical; D016012:Poisson Distribution; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011830:Radiation Effects; D011868:Radioisotopes / Q000032:analysis*; D011886:Radon / Q000032:analysis; D015203:Reproducibility of Results
chemical_list: D002588:Cesium Radioisotopes; D003037:Cobalt Radioisotopes; D011868:Radioisotopes; D011886:Radon