On a likelihood-based goodness-of-fit test of the beta-binomial model

Biometrics. 2000 Sep;56(3):947-50. doi: 10.1111/j.0006-341x.2000.947_1.x.

Abstract

When faced with proportion data that exhibit extra-binomial variation, data analysts often consider the beta-binomial distribution as an alternative model to the more common binomial distribution. A typical example occurs in toxicological experiments with laboratory animals, where binary observations on fetuses within a litter are often correlated with each other. In such instances, it may be of interest to test for the goodness of fit of the beta-binomial model; this effort is complicated, however, when there is large variability among the litter sizes. We investigate a recent goodness-of-fit test proposed by Brooks et al. (1997, Biometrics 53, 1097-1115) but find that it lacks the ability to distinguish between the beta-binomial model and some severely non-beta-binomial models. Other tests and models developed in their article are quite useful and interesting but are not examined herein.

Publication types

  • Letter
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Laboratory
  • Likelihood Functions*
  • Models, Statistical*
  • Toxicology / methods*