Nonparametric equivalents of contrasts for identifying the minimum effective dose (Q1775978)

The author considers Mann-Whitney versions of the families of contrasts (namely, pairwise, Helmert and step contrasts) and proposes two new nonparametric step-down procedures for identifying the minimum effective dose (MED) in a one-way layout with general dose-response relationship. The step-down testing scheme for determining the MED is described, critical and adjusted \(p\)-values of identified MED are obtained. Results of Monte-Carlo simulation studies directed on comparison of the relative error rate and power performance for various nonparametric step-down tests are presented and discussed.