Description
Non-Parametric Statistics
Sometimes the data we collect from a sample does not meet the assumptions necessary to perform traditional statistical research. For example, we might examine our data in advance of running a correlation analysis and find that we do not come close to meeting the assumption of normality or homogeneity of variance. In this case, we might run the Pearson analysis, or we may need to use an alternative tool that will help to mitigate the effects of the violations, or at least be more appropriate to the conditions of the analysis. These alternative tools are called non-parametric statistics. Parametric statistics are used to make inferences about population parameters. Non-parametric statistics cannot make this leap and simply define what happened in a set of data (Weiers, 2011).
Examples of non-parametric statistics include the chi-square analysis, which is used to compare proportions, usually in nominal level data. The Spearman analysis is a non-parametric form of correlation analysis. The Wilcoxon methods allow us to test single samples, paired samples, and independent samples. This method is the non-parametric version of the different forms of t-tests discussed two weeks ago. The Kruskal-Wallis test is the non-parametric form of the one-way analysis of variance. There are many more, including the “benefit of the doubt model” (DeWitte, Rogge, Cherchye, & Van Puyenbroeck, 2013).
Be sure to review this week’s resources carefully. You are expected to apply the information from these resources when you prepare your assignments.
Reference:
De Witte, K., Rogge, N., Cherchye, L., & Van Puyenbroeck, T. (2013). Economies of scope in research and teaching: A non-parametric investigation. Omega, 41(2), 305-314.
You first will identify a topic of interest that you might want to pursue research.
Next, conduct a literature search to locate two studies examining your selected topic and in which the researchers used non-parametric statistics. In your search for articles, you should use any combination of the term “non-parametric” as well as the different tools discussed in this week’s lesson (e.g., Wilcoxon, Kruskal-Wallis, Spearman, Friedman, etc.).
Once you have located articles, you will prepare a short paper using the following format:
Introduction to the selected topic of interest
Brief summary of first article
Include research question, statistical test(s), and general findings
Brief summary of second article
Include research question, statistical test(s) and general findings
Synthesis
Specifically, compare and contrast the two articles, assessing the types of statistical methods and analysis used
Conclusion
Assess what approach you might take if you were to conduct a study in this topic area.
My topic is: Assessment of the Impact of a Pandemic on FBC Bank Limited Zimbabwe
