Exact distribution for the generalized F tests

Abstract

Generalized F statistics are the quotients of convex combinations of central chi-squares divided by their degrees of freedom. Exact expressions are obtained for the distribution of these statistics when the degrees of freedom either in the numerator or in the denominator are even. An example is given to show how these expressions may be used to check the accuracy of Monte-Carlo methods in tabling these distributions. Moreover, when carrying out adaptative tests, these expressions enable us to estimate the p-values whenever they are available.