Procedures are compared for testing the homogeneity of k \geq 2 independent kappa statistics in the case of two raters and a dichotomous outcome. One of the procedures is based on the estimated large sample variance derived under a model frequently adopted for inferences concerning interobserver agreement. The other is based on a goodness-of-fit approach to this model. The results of a Monte Carlo simulation show that the two approaches have similar properties if the number of subjects in each sample is large (> 100), and the prevalence of the underlying trait of interest is not extreme, while the goodness-of-fit approach is recommended for comparisons involving smaller numbers of subjects or in which the prevalence of the underlying trait is small (<0.3).
Biometrics is a scientific journal emphasizing the role of statistics and mathematics in the biological sciences. Its object is to promote and extend the use of mathematical and statistical methods in pure and applied biological sciences by describing developments in these methods and their applications in a form readily assimilable by experimental scientists. JSTOR provides a digital archive of the print version of Biometrics. The electronic version of Biometrics is available at http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/servlet/useragent?func=showIssues&code;=biom. Authorized users may be able to access the full text articles at this site.
The International Biometric Society is an international society for the advancement of biological science through the development of quantitative theories and the application, development and dissemination of effective mathematical and statistical techniques. The Society welcomes as members biologists, mathematicians, statisticians, and others interested in applying similar techniques.
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Biometrics
© 1996 International Biometric Society
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