Difference Between Parametric and

Nonparametric Test
May 2, 2016 By Surbhi S 22 Comments

To
make the generalisation about the population from the sample, statistical tests
are used. A statistical test is a formal technique that relies on the probability
distribution, for reaching the conclusion concerning the reasonableness of the
hypothesis. These hypothetical testing related to differences are classified as
parametric and nonparametric tests.The parametric test is one which has
information about the population parameter.

On the other hand, the nonparametric test is one where the researcher has no
idea regarding the population parameter. So, take a full read of this article, to
know the significant differences between parametric and nonparametric test.

Content: Parametric Test Vs Nonparametric Test

1. Comparison Chart
2. Definition
3. Key Differences
4. Hypothesis Tests Hierarchy
5. Equivalent Tests
6. Conclusion

Comparison Chart
 BASIS FOR
PARAMETRIC TEST NONPARAMETRIC TEST
COMPARISON

Meaning A statistical test, in which specific A statistical test used in the case of
assumptions are made about the non-metric independent variables, is
population parameter is known as called non-parametric test.
parametric test.

Basis of test Distribution Arbitrary

statistic

Measurement level Interval or ratio Nominal or ordinal

Measure of central Mean Median

tendency

Information about Completely known Unavailable

population

Applicability Variables Variables and Attributes

Correlation test Pearson Spearman

Definition of Parametric Test

The parametric test is the hypothesis test which provides generalisations for
making statements about the mean of the parent population. A t-test based on
Student’s t-statistic, which is often used in this regard.

The t-statistic rests on the underlying assumption that there is the normal
distribution of variable and the mean in known or assumed to be known. The
population variance is calculated for the sample. It is assumed that the variables
of interest, in the population are measured on an interval scale.

Definition of Nonparametric Test

The nonparametric test is defined as the hypothesis test which is not based on
underlying assumptions, i.e. it does not require population’s distribution to be
denoted by specific parameters.

The test is mainly based on differences in medians. Hence, it is alternately known

as the distribution-free test. The test assumes that the variables are measured on
a nominal or ordinal level. It is used when the independent variables are non-
metric.

Key Differences Between Parametric and Nonparametric

Tests
The fundamental differences between parametric and nonparametric test are
discussed in the following points:

1. A statistical test, in which specific assumptions are made about the

population parameter is known as the parametric test. A statistical test
used in the case of non-metric independent variables is called
nonparametric test.
2. In the parametric test, the test statistic is based on distribution. On the
other hand, the test statistic is arbitrary in the case of the nonparametric
test.
3. In the parametric test, it is assumed that the measurement of variables of
interest is done on interval or ratio level. As opposed to the nonparametric
test, wherein the variable of interest are measured on nominal or ordinal
scale.
4. In general, the measure of central tendency in the parametric test is mean,
while in the case of the nonparametric test is median.
5. In the parametric test, there is complete information about the population.
Conversely, in the nonparametric test, there is no information about the
population.
6. The applicability of parametric test is for variables only, whereas
nonparametric test applies to both variables and attributes.
7. For measuring the degree of association between two quantitative
variables, Pearson’s coefficient of correlation is used in the parametric test,
while spearman’s rank correlation is used in the nonparametric test.
Hypothesis Tests Hierarchy

Equivalent Tests

PARAMETRIC TEST NON-PARAMETRIC TEST

Independent Sample t Test Mann-Whitney test

Paired samples t test Wilcoxon signed Rank test

One way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) Kruskal Wallis Test

One way repeated measures Analysis of Variance Friedman's ANOVA

Conclusion

To make a choice between parametric and the nonparametric test is not easy for a
researcher conducting statistical analysis. For performing hypothesis, if the
information about the population is completely known, by way of parameters,
then the test is said to be parametric test whereas, if there is no knowledge about
population and it is needed to test the hypothesis on population, then the test
conducted is considered as the nonparametric test.