Abstract

MACBETH, GUILLERMO; RAZUMIEJCZYK, EUGENIA  and  LEDESMA, RUBÉN DANIEL. Cliff's Delta Calculator: A non-parametric effect size program for two groups of observations. Univ. Psychol. [online]. 2011, vol.10, n.2, pp.545-555. ISSN 1657-9267.

The Cliff's Delta statistic is a non-parametric effect size measure that quantifies the amount of difference between two groups of observations beyond p-values interpretation. This measure can be understood as a useful complementary analysis for the corresponding hypothesis testing. During the last two decades the use of effect size measures has been strongly encouraged by methodologists and leading institutions of behavioral sciences. The aim of this contribution is to introduce the Cliff's Delta Calculator software that performs such analysis and offers some interpretation tips. Differences and similarities with the parametric case are analysed and illustrated. The implementation of this free program is fully described and compared with other calculators. Alternative algorithmic approaches are mathematically analysed and a basic linear algebra proof of its equivalence is formally presented. Two worked examples in cognitive psychology are commented. A visual interpretation of Cliff's Delta is suggested. Availability, installation and applications of the program are presented and discussed.

Keywords : Statistical Software; Non-parametric Statistics; Effect Size; Cliff's Delta; Psychological Applications; Behavioural Sciences; Psychological Research; Data Analysis.

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