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A Note on the Adjustment of Fourfold Tables for "Curvilinearity"

Author(s):
Cliff, Norman
Publication Year:
1960
Report Number:
RB-60-07
Source:
ETS Research Bulletin
Document Type:
Report
Page Count:
6
Subject/Key Words:
Correlation, Curvilinear Functions, Guilford, J. P., Tables (Data), Tetrachoric Correlation

Abstract

In "Psychometric Methods" Guilford reports a method of correcting fourfold tables for "curvilinearity" for the purpose of computing tetrachoric correlations. It is pointed out here that the notion of correcting such tables is erroneous in view of the restrictions on the table and the nature of the tetrachoric correlation. It is also demonstrated that the "correction" can, and in common cases will, have a profound effect on the value of the observed correlation.

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