Parametric and Non-Parametric Tests Flashcards
What is a parametric test?
They assume that the data follows a specific distribution, typically normal.
When should you use a non-parametric test?
When data do not meet the assumptions necessary for parametric tests, or when dealing with ordinal data or ranks.
What assumptions must be met for a t-test?
Normality of data, homogeneity of variances, and independence of observations.
Describe the ANOVA test and its purpose.
It compares means across multiple groups to determine if at least one differs significantly.
How do you interpret the results of a Chi-square test?
It assesses whether observed frequencies differ significantly from expected frequencies.
What is the Mann-Whitney U test used for?
It compares differences between two independent samples using ranks.
Explain the purpose of the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.
Used to compare two related samples where the data are not normally distributed.
What differences are there between the t-test and the Mann-Whitney U test?
The t-test assumes normality and equal variances; the Mann-Whitney does not.
What is the significance of homogeneity of variances in ANOVA?
It is crucial because unequal variances can lead to erroneous conclusions in ANOVA.
How can you test for normality before conducting a parametric test?
Using graphical plots like Q-Q plots, or tests like the Shapiro-Wilk test.
What are the key advantages of using non-parametric tests?
They are more flexible and can be used with ordinal data or non-normal distributions.
How does sample size affect the choice between parametric and non-parametric tests?
Non-parametric tests are more suitable for small sample sizes or when assumptions are not met.
What is the Kruskal-Wallis test?
It compares the medians of three or more independent groups.
How do you determine which type of ANOVA to use?
Based on the number of factors and the independence of samples.
What are the assumptions behind the Pearson correlation coefficient?
The data must be normally distributed and the relationship between variables linear.
Why is the Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient considered a non-parametric test?
It does not assume normality and works with rank-ordered data.