Robust Confidence Intervals for Effect Size in the Two-Group Case

Abstract

The probability coverage of intervals involving robust estimates of effect size based on seven procedures was compared for asymmetrically trimming data in an independent two-groups design, and a method that symmetrically trims the data. Four conditions were varied: (a) percentage of trimming, (b) type of nonnormal population distribution, (c) population effect size, and (d) sample size. Results indicated that coverage probabilities were generally well controlled under the conditions of nonnormality. The symmetric trimming method provided excellent probability coverage. Recommendations are provided.