A class of nonparametric tests based on multiresponse permutation procedures

SUMMARY A class of univariate rank tests based on multiresponse permutation procedures is introduced. Asymptotic equivalence is established between one member of this class and the Kruskal-Wallis test. Simulated power comparisons for location shift detection indicate that another member of the class provides superior detection efficiency for location shifts of bimodal distributions and of heavy tailed unimodal distributions. Furthermore, both tests possess substantial computational advantages over other members of the class.