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A Computational Procedure for Tau Correlation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2025

Desmond S. Cartwright
Desmond S. Cartwright*
Affiliation:
University of Chicago
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Abstract

The tau coefficient is defined, and a computational procedure for tied ranks is described. The procedure maintains continuous computational checks, saves labor, and particularly facilitates the use of tau with large samples. It is also shown how tau correlation may be applied to Q-sorts with any shape of forced distribution or with unforced distributions.

Information

Type
Original Paper
Information
Psychometrika , Volume 22 , Issue 1 , March 1957 , pp. 97 - 104
Copyright
Copyright © 1957 The Psychometric Society

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Footnotes

*

The procedure described was developed in connection with research at the Counseling Center, University of Chicago. The research is supported by a grant (PHS M 903) from the National Institute of Mental Health, of the National Institutes of Health, Public Health Service.

References

Bright, H. F. A method for computing the Kendall Tau Coefficient. Educ. psychol. Measmt., 1954, 14, 700–704CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Butler, J. M. and Fiske, D. W. Theory and techniques of assessment. In Stone, C. P. (Eds.), Annual Review of Psychology (pp. 327–356). Stanford: Annual Reviews Inc., 1955Google Scholar
Kendall, M. G. Rank correlation methods, London: Griffin, 1948Google Scholar
Stephenson, W. The study of behavior: Q-technique and its methodology, Chicago: Univ. Press, 1953Google Scholar