Non-Parametric Test
Non-parametric tests are experiments that do not require the underlying population for assumptions. It does not rely on any data referring to any particular parametric group of probability distributions. Non-parametric methods are also called distribution-free tests since they do not have any underlying population. In this article, we will discuss what a non-parametric test is, different methods, merits, demerits and examples of non-parametric testing methods.
What is a Non-parametric Test?
Non-parametric tests are the mathematical methods used in statistical hypothesis testing, which do not make assumptions about the frequency distribution of variables that are to be evaluated. The non-parametric experiment is used when there are skewed data, and it comprises techniques that do not depend on data pertaining to any particular distribution.
The word non-parametric does not mean that these models do not have any parameters. The fact is, the characteristics and number of parameters are pretty flexible and not predefined. Therefore, these models are called distribution-free models.
Non-Parametric T-Test
Whenever a few assumptions in the given population are uncertain, we use non-parametric tests, which are also considered parametric counterparts. When data are not distributed normally or when they are on an ordinal level of measurement, we have to use non-parametric tests for analysis. The basic rule is to use a parametric t-test for normally distributed data and a non-parametric test for skewed data.
Non-Parametric Paired T-Test
The paired sample t-test is used to match two means scores, and these scores come from the same group. Pair samples t-test is used when variables are independent and have two levels, and those levels are repeated measures.
Non-parametric Test Methods
The four different techniques of parametric tests, such as Mann Whitney U test, the sign test, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and the Kruskal Wallis test are discussed here in detail. We know that the non-parametric tests are completely based on the ranks, which are assigned to the ordered data. The four different types of non-parametric test are summarized below with their uses, null hypothesis, test statistic, and the decision rule.