Equivalence testing for multiple groups

Abstract

SummaryTesting for equivalence, rather than testing for a difference, is an important component of some scientific studies. While the focus of the existing literature is on comparing two groups for equivalence, real‐world applications arise regularly that require testing across more than two groups. This paper reviews the existing approaches for testing across multiple groups and proposes a novel framework for multigroup equivalence testing under a Bayesian paradigm. This approach allows for a more scientifically meaningful definition of the equivalence margin and a more powerful test than the few existing alternatives. This approach also allows a new definition of equivalence based on future differences.