Abstract
A comparison between the theoretical backgrounds of the Cosinor Test and the periodogram method suggested that in many cases the use of the periodogram method is preferable and safer (Van Cauter and Huyberechts, 1972). This work refers particularly to the analysis of multifrequential phenomena, which are commonly encountered in biology and medicine. Statistical analysis of computer‐generated time‐series and 24‐hr cortisol paterns is performed by both methods; comparison between the obtained results strongly support our previous theoretical conclusions. The periodogram method appears to be particularly well‐suited to period estimation in biological data; in some cases, simple additional compulations may improve the approximation of the period.

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