Paul R. Yarnold
Optimal Data Analysis, LLC
Data are from a classic 4 x 6 contingency table used to determine the relationship (if any) between mental health status measured using four ordered categories, and socioeconomic status (SES) measured using six ordered categories. Although ordinal data are inappropriate for analysis via chi-square-based methods, log-linear analysis was used to investigate association between mental health and SES. A variety of legacy measures of association indicated “moderate” association, but differed in terms of their use of standardization, statistical reliability testing, and identification of the underlying direction (positive, negative, or non-linear) and strength of the relationship. UniODA overcomes these legacy shortcomings, as illustrated in three “standard” analysis modes: exploratory (a non-linear model was identified having a very weak effect, ESS = 6.4), or confirmatory hypothesizing either a positive (ESS = 5.6) or a negative (ESS = -3.0) relationship.
odajournal.com 