checking-test-assumptions

Check statistical-test assumptions and issue pass-fail verdicts with evidence.

2|Updated May 23, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/rocklambros/rcs --skill checking-test-assumptions
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: checking-test-assumptions
Source: https://github.com/rocklambros/rcs/tree/main/skills/ml-datasci/checking-test-assumptions
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/rocklambros/rcs --skill checking-test-assumptions

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill prevents invalid statistical conclusions by checking whether the assumptions behind a chosen test are actually met before you interpret the result.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Test-specific gating: Maps common tests to the correct assumptions, such as normality of differences for paired t-tests, per-group normality and equal variance for two-sample t-tests, and expected cell counts for chi-squared.
  • Evidence-based verdicts: Reports pass or fail for each assumption with the relevant statistic, p-value, and consequence if the assumption fails.
  • Recommended alternatives: Directs users to the right fallback, such as Mann-Whitney, Welch's t-test, Fisher's exact test, or robust regression, when a check fails.
  • Use case: A researcher asks whether to trust a t-test, ANOVA, or regression output, and the Skill returns the exact diagnostic checklist needed to decide the next step.

Quick Start

Check the assumptions for my planned two-sample t-test and tell me whether I should proceed with pooled t, switch to Welch's t, or use a non-parametric alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions about checking-test-assumptions

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I check statistical assumptions before running a t-test or ANOVA?▼

Statistical assumption checking requires running test-specific diagnostics like Shapiro-Wilk for normality and Levene for equal variance. This Skill maps your planned test to the correct assumptions, returns pass-fail verdicts with evidence, and recommends fallbacks like Welch's t-test if checks fail.

What should I do if my regression diagnostics fail the normality assumption?▼

Regression diagnostics that fail normality require switching to robust regression or non-parametric alternatives. This Skill evaluates residual checks and Cook's distance, provides explicit pass-fail verdicts with relevant statistics, and directs you to the appropriate fallback test.

When do I need to use Welch's test instead of a pooled two-sample t-test?▼

Welch's test is needed when the equal variance assumption fails during t-test assumption checking. The Skill applies Levene's test to check variance homogeneity and explicitly recommends switching to Welch's t-test or Mann-Whitney when the pooled t-test assumptions are invalid.

Can I use a chi-squared test if my expected cell counts are too low?▼

Chi-squared tests require adequate expected cell counts, and when assumption checking reveals insufficient counts, Fisher's exact test is the recommended alternative. The Skill calculates expected counts, returns a fail verdict with evidence, and directs you to the correct fallback.

What diagnostics are required to validate assumptions for logistic regression?▼

Logistic regression assumption checking involves evaluating residual patterns andCook's distance for influential observations. The Skill runs these regression diagnostics, provides explicit pass-fail verdicts with supporting statistics, and identifies whether your planned logistic regression is valid.