Two-Sample Tests Based on Data Depth

Abstract

In this paper, we focus on the homogeneity test that evaluates whether two multivariate samples come from the same distribution. This problem arises naturally in various applications, and there are many methods available in the literature. Based on data depth, several tests have been proposed for this problem but they may not be very powerful. In light of the recent development of data depth as an important measure in quality assurance, we propose two new test statistics for the multivariate two-sample homogeneity test. The proposed test statistics have the same χ2(1) asymptotic null distribution. The generalization of the proposed tests into the multivariate multisample situation is discussed as well. Simulations studies demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed tests. The test procedure is illustrated through two real data examples.