A generalization of the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and its applications

This paper extends the Wilcoxon signed-rank test to the case where the available observations are imprecise quantities, rather than crisp. To do this, the associated test statistic is extended, using the α-cuts approach. In addition, the concept of critical value is generalized to the case when the significance level is given by a fuzzy number. Finally, to accept or reject the null hypothesis of interest, a preference degree between two fuzzy sets is employed for comparing the observed fuzzy test statistic and fuzzy critical value. Copyright Springer-Verlag 2013