AIIMS Raipur lecturer 2021
Nursing Research & Statistic
Easy

Which among the following is a non-parametric test?

Appeared in: AIIMS Raipur lecturer 2021

Explanation

  • McNemar's test is classified as a non-parametric statistical test.
  • It is specifically used for analyzing paired or matched nominal data, often presented in a 2x2 contingency table.
  • Unlike parametric tests, it does not assume that the data follows a particular distribution, such as a normal distribution.
  • It is commonly applied in 'before-and-after' or pre-test/post-test study designs to detect changes in proportions for a dichotomous variable (e.g., presence or absence of a symptom).

Why Other Options Were Wrong

  • Option A: ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) is a parametric test, not a non-parametric one.
  • Option C: The t-test is a classic example of a parametric test.
  • Option D: The Z-test is a parametric test used for large samples or when population variance is known.

Related Visual

Visual explanation — Related Visual
Clinical Relevance
  • Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Difference between parametric and non-parametric statistical tests as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
  • In nursing research, selecting the appropriate statistical test is crucial for ensuring the validity and reliability of study findings. Using a parametric test on data that doesn't meet its assumptions can lead to erroneous conclusions.
  • A nurse researcher might use a McNemar test to evaluate the effectiveness of a patient education program. For instance, they could compare the proportion of patients who correctly perform a self-care task (a 'yes/no' outcome) before and after the educational intervention.
  • What if? If the researcher were comparing a continuous variable (e.g., mean blood pressure) in the same group of patients before and after an intervention, and the data were normally distributed, the correct test would be a paired t-test (a parametric test), not the McNemar test.
How to Approach the Question
  • First, identify the key term in the question: 'non-parametric test'.
  • Define 'non-parametric test' in your mind: a statistical method that does not require the data to fit a normal distribution. These are often used with categorical (nominal) or ranked (ordinal) data.
  • Contrast this with a 'parametric test', which assumes the data is from a normally distributed population and is typically used with continuous data (interval/ratio).
  • Systematically evaluate each option against the definition of a non-parametric test.
  • Recall or deduce that ANOVA, t-tests, and Z-tests are foundational parametric tests used for comparing means.
  • Identify McNemar's test as the one that does not fit the parametric category, as it is used for paired nominal data, making it the correct non-parametric option.
Concept Tested & Keywords
  • Concept Tested: Difference between parametric and non-parametric statistical tests.
  • Stem keywords: non-parametric test, statistical test
  • Lead-in keywords: Which among
  • Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

Qul17pXG0lYA8HJJ851vSb

Reference Book

E6 NursingResearch Suresh Sharma 5e Part 2 pp. 171-173, 59-61

E6 NursingResearch Sukhpal Kaur p. 487-489

Practise the full AIIMS Raipur lecturer 2021

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.

More Data Analysis and Stats Questions

More AIIMS Raipur lecturer 2021 Questions