Testing for Spherical Symmetry of a Multivariate Distribution

Abstract

Rotationally invariant tests based on test statistics of the von Mises type are proposed under the hypothesis of spherical symmetry of a multivariate distribution. The tests are distribution-free when the hypothesis of spherical symmetry is true. The asymptotic distribution of the test statistics are derived under the null hypothesis and under any fixed alternative. A simple criterion for consistency is given. The results are illustrated by numerous examples of test statistics which give rise to tests being consistent against all alternatives.