Yates's correction for continuity and the analysis of 2 x 2 contingency tables

Stat Med. 1990 Apr;9(4):363-7; discussion 369-83. doi: 10.1002/sim.4780090403.

Abstract

Despite recommendations to the contrary, medical researchers still routinely use the Yates-corrected chi-square statistic in analyses of 2 x 2 contingency tables. Research has shown that these 'corrected' statistics are overly conservative and that the conventional Pearson chi-square generally provides adequate control over type I error probabilities. This paper makes a straightforward argument against use of Yates's correction for continuity and Fisher's exact probability test.

MeSH terms

  • Bias
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Models, Statistical
  • Probability
  • Research Design
  • Statistics as Topic / methods*