On choosing a test statistic in multivariate analysis of variance

Abstract

Users of multivariate analysis of variance must choose which of several available test statistics to employ as a generalization of the usual univariate F statistic. A review of statistical literature concerning the power and robustness of the 4 most promising tests leads to the recommendation of K. C. Pillai's (1955) and M. S. Bartlett's (1939) trace statistic for general use. A survey of recent experimental reports revealed that psychologists have been using a 2nd best statistic and that they have frequently failed to specify their statistic to let readers judge its appropriateness. To facilitate increased use of the Pillai-Bartlett statistic, information is given concerning computation, the availability of significance tables, and a convenient F approximation. (45 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1976 American Psychological Association.