Non-parametric Tests

• Parametric tests make assumptions about the underlying distribution

in the population
• Non-parametric tests do not make assumptions about the underlying
distribution, and are often called distribution-free tests.
Parametric vs. Non-parametric Tests
Parametric Tests Non-parametric tests
Makes assumptions about the underlaying distribution Distribution-free
of the data
Central measure: mean Central measure: median
Commonly used for normally distributed data Commonly used for skewed, small sample size, and
ordinal data
Examples: t-test, z-test, F test for variances, likelihood Examples: Wilcoxon rank sum test, sign test, bootstrap
ratio test tests

Remark: Parametric tests are usually more powerful than their

non-parametric analog.