Discuss the assumptions of parametric statistical testing versus the assumptions of nonparametric tests. Describe the differences in the distributions of the data. Discuss when a researcher would select a nonparametric approach and when they would select parametric tests for their data set. Does it matter what type of variables has been collected in the dataset?
Requirements:
- Be sure to support your statements with logic and argument
- More citing all sources referenced through the text
- 2 pages
- no plagiarism
- 3 Minimum references
- APA Style
- The references not older than 5 years ago
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Parametric and nonparametric tests are two types of statistical tests used in research to analyze data and draw conclusions. Parametric tests make certain assumptions about the underlying population distribution, while nonparametric tests do not rely on specific distributional assumptions. Understanding the assumptions and differences between these two types of tests is crucial for researchers to select the appropriate statistical approach for their data set.
Assumptions of Parametric Statistical Testing:
Parametric tests assume that the data follows a specific probability distribution, usually the normal distribution. These assumptions include:
1. Normality: The distribution of the data is assumed to be approximately normal or can be transformed to approximate normality. This assumption is vital for parametric tests such as t-tests and ANOVA.
2. Homogeneity of Variance: The variances across different groups or conditions being compared are assumed to be equal. Violation of this assumption can affect the accuracy of the results obtained from the test.
3. Independence: Each observation in the data set is assumed to be independent and not influenced by other observations. This assumption is important for ensuring that the observations are not related or correlated.
Assumptions of Nonparametric Tests:
Nonparametric tests do not rely on assumptions about the underlying population distribution. These tests are distribution-free and are based on rankings or counts of the data rather than the values themselves. The assumptions associated with nonparametric tests include:
1. Random Sampling: The data are assumed to be collected randomly from the population of interest. This assumption ensures that the sample is representative of the population and reduces the potential for bias.
2. Independence: Similar to parametric tests, nonparametric tests assume that observations are independent of each other. The lack of dependence ensures that each observation provides unique information.
Differences in the Distributions of the Data:
Parametric tests assume specific distributions, typically the normal distribution, for the data. These tests make use of population parameters, such as means and variances, to make inferences about the data set. In contrast, nonparametric tests do not require any specific assumptions about the distribution of the data and instead focus on the rank or order of the values.
When to Select Parametric or Nonparametric Tests:
The choice between parametric and nonparametric tests depends on several factors:
1. Distributional Assumptions: If the data conform to the assumptions of normality and homogeneity of variance, parametric tests may provide more accurate and powerful results. However, if the assumptions are violated or the distribution is highly skewed or non-normal, nonparametric tests should be used.
2. Sample Size: Parametric tests generally perform better with larger sample sizes, while nonparametric tests can handle smaller sample sizes more effectively. If the sample size is small, nonparametric tests may be preferred.
3. Type of Variables: The type of variables collected in the dataset can influence the choice of statistical test. Parametric tests are suitable for continuous variables, while nonparametric tests can handle ordinal or categorical variables.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, parametric statistical testing and nonparametric tests have different assumptions and approaches. Parametric tests rely on assumptions about normality and homogeneity of variance, while nonparametric tests are distribution-free. The choice between these two approaches depends on the distributional assumptions, sample size, and type of variables in the dataset. Researchers should carefully consider these factors to select the appropriate statistical test that best suits their data analysis needs.
