The contrast test is a statistical test used to compare the means of two or more groups. The contrast is a linear combination of the means of groups, and a contrast test is used to determine if the variance is significantly different from zero. A contrast test is a versatile tool that can compare the means of two or more groups in various settings. It is often used in research studies to compare the effects of different treatments or interventions. The contrast test can also be used in business settings to compare the performance of other products or services (Abelson & Prentice, 1997).
The topic of the article
In article Minelgaite, I., Littrell, R.F., & Škudiene, V. (2018). The authors surveyed 129 followers and found significant differences in preferred driving behaviors based on gender and educational level. Male followers preferred leaders who were more goal-oriented and task-oriented. At the same time, female followers preferred more supportive and relationship-oriented leaders. Highly educated followers preferred leaders who were more democratic and participatory. In contrast, the less educated followers preferred more authoritarian and directive leaders.
The Results of the Contrast Test:
- Contrast 1: Male vs. Female (T = 2.36/ P = .022).
- Contrast 2: Lower Education vs. Higher Education (T = 2.49/ P = .016).
These results indicate significant differences in preferred driving behaviors between male and female followers and between less educated and less educated followers. Male followers prefer more focused and task-oriented leaders, while male followers prefer more supportive and relationship-oriented ones. Highly educated followers prefer leaders who are more democratic and participatory, while less educated followers prefer leaders who are more authoritarian and directive. It is important to note that these results are based on relatively small sample size (n = 129). Future research is needed to replicate these findings with larger samples (Minelgaite, Littrell & Škudiene, 2018).
Data Analyzing Methods:
The article's authors used a contrast test to analyze the data to compare the average scores of different groups of followers on a measure of preferred driving behaviors. A contrast test is a statistical test used to compare the means of two or more groups. In this case, the authors wanted to compare the means of male and female followers and those of less-educated and higher-educated dependents. The authors chose to use the contrast test because it is a relatively simple statistical test. It's also a relatively robust test that can detect slight differences in average scores (Minelgaite, Littrell & Škudiene, 2018).
Differences between variance, correlation, and regression testing:
In the case of this article, the authors used a contrast test to compare the average scores of different groups of followers on a measure of preferred driving behaviors. They chose to use the contrast test because it is a relatively straightforward statistical test capable of detecting even slight differences in mean scores. Contrast tests are usually more potent than correlation tests, which means they are more likely to detect slight differences in average scores.
However, correlation tests are more flexible than contrast tests and can measure the strength of the relationship between two variables, even if the variables are not normally distributed (Wireless Philosophy, 2017). Regression tests are more versatile than contrast tests or correlation tests and can be used to predict one variable's value from another. However, regression tests can be more complex to understand and interpret than tests of contrast or correlation tests (Ezekiel & Fox, 1959).
Using contrast testing in ConsConstruction, The contrast test can compare the performance of different materials, methods, or designs. For example, a contractor might use a contrast test to compare the strength of different types of concrete, the durability of different roofing materials, or the efficiency of different types of construction equipment. Contrast testing is a valuable tool that can be used to improve the quality and efficiency of construction projects. Contrast testing allows contractors to make informed decisions about what materials, methods, or designs to use, leading to better quality projects completed on time and within budget.
Conclusion
The contrast test is a statistical method that can compare the means of two or more groups. We have also discussed the differences between the test of variance, correlation test, and regression test. Finally, we discussed how the contrast test could be used in construction testing, a valuable tool that can be used to improve the quality and efficiency of construction projects. Contrast testing allows contractors to make informed decisions about what materials, methods, or designs to use, leading to better quality projects completed on time and within budget.
References
Abelson, R. P., & Prentice, D. A. (1997). Contrast tests of interaction hypothesis. Psychological Methods, 2(4), 315.
Ezekiel, M., & Fox, K. A. (1959). Methods of correlation and regression analysis: linear and curvilinear.
Minelgaite, I., Littrell, R. F., & Škudiene, V. (2018). Preferred Leader Behaviour in the Business Sector of Lithuania: Follower Diversity Perspective. Organizations & Markets in Emerging Economies, 9(2), 272–291. Retrieved from EBSCO multi-search.
Wireless Philosophy. (2017). Critical Thinking - Fundamentals: Correlation and Causation [Video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-_f8RQIIiw (7:08)