McNemar Change Test

The McNemar change test is a statistical test that can be used for paired nominal data. It can test differences on a dichotomous-dependent variable between two related groups. For dichotomous dependent variables, some like to think of it as similar to a paired t test. Typically, the test is used when researchers want to look at changes in participants’ scores by comparing the proportion of people who changed in one direction (e.g., an increase in test scores) to the proportion changing in the opposite direction (e.g., a decrease in test scores). It is a distribution-free (nonparametric) test. It can be used for pretest and posttest designs, matched pairs, and case-control studies. This entry further describes the McNemar change test and considers assumptions, characteristics, and applications ...