Parametric Test in Research
Definition:
Parametric tests are statistical tests that make certain assumptions
about the parameters of the population distribution from which the
sample is drawn—primarily that the data follows a normal distribution
and that interval or ratio scale is used.
Key Assumptions of Parametric Tests
To use a parametric test, the following assumptions must typically be
met:
Assumption |
Description |
Normality |
The data should be approximately normally distributed. |
Homogeneity of variance |
Variances in different groups should be equal (especially for t-tests
and ANOVA). |
Scale of measurement |
Data should be on an interval or ratio scale (quantitative). |
Independence |
Observations should be independent of each other. |
Common Parametric Tests
Test Name |
Purpose |
Example |
t-test (Independent Samples) |
Compares means of two independent groups. |
Comparing test scores of boys and girls. |
Paired t-test |
Compares means of the same group at two different times. |
Before and after training scores of employees. |
One-way ANOVA |
Compares means among three or more independent groups. |
Comparing performance of students across three teaching methods. |
Two-way ANOVA |
Tests effect of two independent variables on one dependent variable. |
Studying effect of gender and study method on exam scores. |
Z-test |
Tests the population mean when sample size is large (n > 30). |
Comparing sample mean to known population mean. |
Pearson Correlation |
Measures the strength and direction of a linear relationship. |
Relationship between income and expenditure. |
Regression Analysis |
Predicts value of a dependent variable based on one or more
independent variables. |
Predicting sales based on advertising spend. |
Advantages of Parametric Tests
- More powerful
(less likely to make Type II errors) if assumptions are met.
- Allow for more
complex analysis (e.g., multiple predictors in regression).
- Provide specific
estimates (like confidence intervals and effect sizes).
Disadvantages
- Invalid if
assumptions are violated.
- Less
flexible than non-parametric tests for small or skewed data.
When to Use Non-Parametric Tests Instead
Use non-parametric tests if:
- The sample
size is small.
- Data are ordinal
or not normally distributed.
- Variances
are unequal between groups.
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