Chi-Square Analysis in Genetics

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to Chi-Square Analysis, particularly in the context of genetic experiments.

Chi-Square Analysis (χ²)

A statistical method used to evaluate the 'goodness of fit' between observed and expected data.

Null Hypothesis

The assumption that there is no significant difference between observed and expected results in an experiment.

Observed Numbers

The actual counts collected during an experiment.

Expected Numbers

The predicted counts based on prior knowledge or a statistical model, such as Mendelian ratios.

Degrees of Freedom (DF)

The number of phenotypic categories minus one, used to determine the appropriate χ² values from tables.

p-value

A probability measure that helps determine the significance of results; used to decide whether to reject the null hypothesis. Above 0.05 the null hypothesis is NOT rejected.

Critical Value

A threshold value of the χ² statistic beyond which we reject the null hypothesis.

Statistically Significant

A result that is unlikely to have occurred by chance, typically indicated by a p-value of 0.05 or below.

Phenotype

The observable characteristics or traits of an organism influenced by its genotype.

Punnett Square

A grid used to predict the genotypes of offspring from parental crosses.

Solving for X²