Analysis of Paired Dichotomous Data: A Gentle Introduction to the McNemar Test in SPSS

Abstract

Background: Although McNemar Test is the most appropriate tool for analyzing pre-post differences in dichotomous items (e.g., “yes” or “no”, “correct” or “incorrect”, etc.), many scholars have noted the inappropriate use of Pearson’s Chi-square Test by researchers, including social scientists and evaluators, for the analysis of related or dependent dichotomous variables.   Purpose: The goal of this paper is to promote the use of McNemar Test among evaluators by providing a gentle introduction to the method. Setting: Not applicable.   Intervention: Not applicable.   Research Design: Not applicable.   Data Collection and Analysis: Using data from 506 6th grade students’ responses to a pre-post science test; this contribution illustrates how to conduct McNemar Test in SPSS..   Findings: This contribution provides a non-technical introduction to McNemar test and illustrates its use in an applied research/evaluation context.   Keywords: McNemar Test; paired dichotomous data; Chi-square test; equality of proportions.