http://spssx-discussion.165.s1.nabble.com/median-of-two-groups-are-statistically-significant-tp4723704p4724228.html
The chapter cited by Bruce points out that the usual non-parametric tests
are tests on average rank, and not tests on the median. And those tests
do assume that the original distributions are of the same form, so that
the tests are tests on "shift" or location in similar distributions.
For fewest assumptions, you might test the equality of medians
by a simple contingency table that reports how many in each
group are below/above the overall median. (Recode every score
to 0/1 and cross-tabulate.) This principle can be applied to other
fractions just as readily, such as, "top 1%".
People are usually more interested in the average rank. There might be
more reports published where people mis-report a rank-test as a test
on medians than where people consciously intend a test on medians
and use an intentional test on medians.
--
Rich Ulrich
> Date: Mon, 22 Aug 2011 10:44:00 -0400
> From:
[hidden email]> Subject: median of two groups are statistically significant
> To:
[hidden email]>
> Hello All,
>
> What is the right statistical test to determine whether the median of multiple
> groups are statistically significant or not?