A note on homogeneity tests when combining 2×2 tables

This paper examines the use of homogeneity tests prior to tests of overall association among g 2 x 2 tables. When placed in the context of a one-way analysis of variance, hypotheses of overall association and homogeneity can be viewed as hypotheses regarding mean and treatment effects, respectively. In this context, the need for homogeneity tests is presented. What constitutes a relevant test of homogeneity is also examined. The conclusion is that some of the difficulties raised in the literature regarding tests of homogeneity stem from differences in the hypothesis of association being examined.