Statistics: Chi-square Test of Independence, Null Hypothesis

STATISTICS
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Abstract
This study examines the differences in suicidal ideation arising from three distinct races as a result of incurable pathological diseases. The participants in this study are randomly selected and their responses subjected to the Chi-square test of independence in order to determine the support or rejection of the null hypothesis. Underlying assumptions linked to suicide are important since they impact on reporting of both fatal and non-fatal suicidal attempts as well as in seeking help for already vulnerable people. Ethnicity and race are considered to play a great role in forming suicidal ideations. Usually, the suicidal ideations arise from differences in beliefs and acceptability levels of suicide among various races. This study, therefore, seeks to find out the suicide acceptability levels of three races – the Whites, the Blacks, and the Hispanics (though not really considered a race by itself). The acceptability levels of suicide in various races determine – to a large extent – the likelihood of people in those races to commit suicide. This study employs vignettes that direct the respondents to hypothesize the likely causes of death of people who initially suffered from incurable diseases. The Chi-square method will also be utilized in the analysis and tabulation of data. A detailed discussion of the study will follow as well as recommendations for future research projects.
Keywords: Chi-square test of independence, null hypothesis, suicidal ideations
Introduction
Suicide is currently the third leading cause of death among 15-24 year old, youth as well as young adults in the United States. Additionally, suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States for all age brackets (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2005). It is estimated that there are between 8 – 25 non-fatal suicide attempts for every fatal attempt. Suicidal ideations are usually due to different reasons including financial incapacitation, loneliness, some forms of insecurities, diseases, failure, feelings of hopelessness, and academic challenges (Goldblatt, 2010). On the part of diseases, suicidal ideations can arise due to the following: hopelessness (especially for the chronic diseases), financial incapacitation, loneliness, stress, and depression. Normally, people tend to feel hopeless and stressed, especially when they are suffering from an incurable disease such as the various forms of cancers and HIV/AIDS.
Such feelings or initiators can be overwhelming to the sick person, creating suicidal feelings in him or her. However, the formation of suicidal feelings will tend to differ from one race to another. For example, there exists some qualitative evidence that suicide is a "white undertaking"; this has mainly to do with the Black Americans. Previous research has revealed that the Blacks may be hesitant to even disclose suicidal feelings let alone suicidal attempts. This is because of the Blacks’ beliefs that suicide is actually a form of denial of the Black culture and identity. There are also beliefs in some Blacks that because of their successful struggle in the society, the Bl...