An Order-Directed Score Test for Trend in Ordered 2 x K Tables

Abstract

This paper presents a new test procedure for detecting trend in ordered 2 X K tables. Using an order-directed score statistic, the procedure does not require a set of scores preassigned to the ordinal categories under consideration. Thus the problem of varying p-values of linear rank tests, due to choices of different scoring systems, is avoided. The proposed test procedure can be easily generalized to handle stratified analysis where data are represented by several 2 x K tables. Examples are given to illustrate the method.