A tool designed to compute a specific value that quantifies the discrepancy between observed data and the data expected under a particular hypothesis. This computational aid assists in determining the probability of obtaining observed results if the hypothesis being tested is actually true. For example, it might be used to evaluate whether the distribution of responses to a survey question significantly differs from a previously established distribution.
The availability of these calculators streamlines statistical analysis, mitigating the potential for manual calculation errors and accelerating the research process. Historically, statisticians relied on tedious manual calculations and statistical tables. The advent of computational tools has significantly improved efficiency and broadened access to this statistical method, empowering researchers across various disciplines. Its use is critical in fields such as medicine, social sciences, and market research to validate hypotheses and inform decision-making.