Abstract
A simple statistical test for the comparison of line-shape data is presented. The test is applied to the analysis of x-ray Compton line profiles. The results suggest that the test will be useful in comparing theoretical and experimental results, in distinguishing between the Compton profiles of chemically similar species and in testing successive experimental runs for apparatus instabilities. Estimates of the agreement to be expected for hydrocarbon profiles are given and the importance of full reporting of experimental data is discussed.