Does Mann Whitney Test Compare Medians Or Means Directly?

The Mann-Whitney test doesn’t directly compare medians or means. Instead, this non-parametric test assesses whether two independent samples originate from populations with the same distribution. COMPARE.EDU.VN helps you understand statistical tests like the Mann-Whitney U test, and make informed decisions in your data analysis by providing detailed explanations and comparisons. It compares mean ranks and can be interpreted as a test of medians or means only under specific assumptions such as identically shaped distributions or similar distributions.

1. Understanding the Core Function of the Mann-Whitney Test

The Mann-Whitney U test, also known as the Wilcoxon rank-sum test, is a nonparametric test used to determine if two independent samples were selected from populations having the same distribution. It is one of the most powerful and widely used nonparametric tests, particularly when the assumptions of normality required for parametric tests like the t-test are not met.

1.1. The Purpose of the Mann-Whitney U Test

The primary purpose of the Mann-Whitney U test is to assess whether there is a statistically significant difference between two independent groups. Unlike parametric tests that focus on means or medians, the Mann-Whitney U test is more general and evaluates the overall distributions of the two groups. This test is especially valuable when dealing with ordinal data or when the data do not meet the assumptions of normality.

1.2. Key Applications of the Mann-Whitney U Test

The Mann-Whitney U test has a wide range of applications across various fields. Some of the most common applications include:

  • Medical Research: Comparing the effectiveness of two different treatments or medications. For example, comparing the pain relief scores of patients receiving two different pain medications.
  • Psychology: Assessing differences in behavior or attitudes between two groups. For instance, comparing the anxiety levels of participants in two different therapy groups.
  • Education: Evaluating the impact of different teaching methods on student performance. As an illustration, comparing the test scores of students taught using two different instructional strategies.
  • Business: Analyzing differences in customer satisfaction or product preferences. For example, comparing the satisfaction ratings of customers using two different versions of a product.
  • Environmental Science: Comparing environmental indicators between two locations or time periods. For instance, comparing pollution levels in two different rivers.

1.3. Advantages of Using the Mann-Whitney U Test

The Mann-Whitney U test offers several advantages over parametric tests, making it a valuable tool in statistical analysis:

  • No Normality Assumption: It does not require the data to be normally distributed, making it suitable for non-normal data.
  • Applicable to Ordinal Data: It can be used with ordinal data, where the values have a meaningful order but not a consistent interval.
  • Robustness: It is less sensitive to outliers compared to parametric tests, providing more reliable results in the presence of extreme values.
  • Simplicity: It is relatively easy to understand and implement, making it accessible to researchers with varying levels of statistical expertise.

1.4. Limitations of Using the Mann-Whitney U Test

Despite its advantages, the Mann-Whitney U test also has certain limitations:

  • Less Powerful Than Parametric Tests: When the data meet the assumptions of parametric tests, the Mann-Whitney U test may be less powerful, meaning it is less likely to detect a significant difference if one exists.
  • Does Not Directly Compare Means or Medians: It compares the overall distributions, which may not always provide specific information about differences in central tendency.
  • Assumption of Independence: It assumes that the two samples are independent, which may not always be the case in real-world scenarios.
  • Sensitivity to Tied Ranks: The presence of many tied ranks can affect the accuracy of the test, although corrections are available to mitigate this issue.

2. The Test Statistic: Understanding U

The Mann-Whitney U test revolves around calculating a test statistic, typically denoted as U. This statistic helps quantify the degree of separation between the two groups being compared.

2.1. Calculation of the U Statistic

The U statistic is calculated based on the ranks of the observations in the two groups. The data from both groups are combined and ranked together, with the smallest value receiving a rank of 1, the next smallest a rank of 2, and so on. If there are tied values, they are assigned the average rank.

The U statistic can be calculated in two ways, U1 and U2, for each group. The formulas are as follows:

  • U1 = n1 * n2 + [n1(n1 + 1)] / 2 – R1
  • U2 = n1 * n2 + [n2(n2 + 1)] / 2 – R2

Where:

  • n1 is the sample size of group 1.
  • n2 is the sample size of group 2.
  • R1 is the sum of the ranks in group 1.
  • R2 is the sum of the ranks in group 2.

The Mann-Whitney U statistic is then taken as the smaller of U1 and U2.

U = min(U1, U2)

2.2. Interpretation of the U Statistic

The U statistic represents the number of times that a value from one group precedes a value from the other group in the ranked data. A smaller U value indicates greater separation between the two groups, suggesting a statistically significant difference.

  • Small U Value: A small U value indicates that the values from one group tend to be smaller than the values from the other group, suggesting a significant difference between the two distributions.
  • Large U Value: A large U value indicates that the values from both groups are more intermixed, suggesting little to no difference between the two distributions.

2.3. Example Calculation

Consider two groups with the following data:

  • Group A: 5, 8, 12
  • Group B: 7, 9, 15

Combine and rank the data:

Data Group Rank
5 A 1
7 B 2
8 A 3
9 B 4
12 A 5
15 B 6

Calculate the sum of ranks for each group:

  • R1 (Group A) = 1 + 3 + 5 = 9
  • R2 (Group B) = 2 + 4 + 6 = 12

Calculate the U statistics:

  • U1 = 3 * 3 + [3(3 + 1)] / 2 – 9 = 9 + 6 – 9 = 6
  • U2 = 3 * 3 + [3(3 + 1)] / 2 – 12 = 9 + 6 – 12 = 3

The Mann-Whitney U statistic is the smaller of U1 and U2:

U = min(6, 3) = 3

2.4. The Role of Ranks

The Mann-Whitney U test relies on ranks rather than the actual values of the data. This is a key feature that makes it a nonparametric test. By using ranks, the test reduces the impact of outliers and does not require the data to be normally distributed.

  • Handling Outliers: Ranks transform the data into a relative scale, making the test less sensitive to extreme values that can disproportionately influence parametric tests.
  • Non-Normal Data: Ranks allow the test to be used with non-normal data, as the analysis is based on the order of the values rather than their specific magnitudes.

3. Comparing Mean Ranks: The True Comparison

The Mann-Whitney U test fundamentally compares the mean ranks of the two groups, rather than directly comparing their means or medians. This distinction is critical to understanding the test’s actual function.

3.1. What Are Mean Ranks?

Mean ranks are calculated by summing the ranks of each group and dividing by the number of observations in that group. The mean rank represents the average position of the values in each group within the combined ranked data.

Mean Rank (Group 1) = R1 / n1

Mean Rank (Group 2) = R2 / n2

Where:

  • R1 is the sum of the ranks in group 1.
  • R2 is the sum of the ranks in group 2.
  • n1 is the sample size of group 1.
  • n2 is the sample size of group 2.

3.2. How the Test Compares Mean Ranks

The Mann-Whitney U test assesses whether the mean ranks of the two groups are significantly different. If the mean ranks are very different, it suggests that the distributions of the two groups are also different. A small p-value indicates that the observed difference in mean ranks is unlikely to have occurred by chance, leading to the conclusion that there is a statistically significant difference between the two groups.

3.3. Example: Mean Rank Comparison

Using the previous example data:

  • Group A: 5, 8, 12
  • Group B: 7, 9, 15

We calculated:

  • R1 (Group A) = 9
  • R2 (Group B) = 12
  • n1 = 3
  • n2 = 3

Now, calculate the mean ranks:

  • Mean Rank (Group A) = 9 / 3 = 3
  • Mean Rank (Group B) = 12 / 3 = 4

In this example, the mean rank of Group B is higher than that of Group A, suggesting that the values in Group B tend to be larger than those in Group A. The Mann-Whitney U test would assess whether this difference is statistically significant.

3.4. Why Mean Ranks Are Important

Comparing mean ranks allows the Mann-Whitney U test to evaluate differences between groups without relying on the assumptions of normality or equal variances. Mean ranks provide a robust measure of the relative positions of the data points in each group, making the test suitable for a wide range of data types and distributions.

3.5. The Relationship to Medians and Means

While the Mann-Whitney U test directly compares mean ranks, it can be indirectly related to medians and means under certain conditions. If the distributions of the two groups have the same shape, a shift in location will affect the medians and means by the same amount. In such cases, the Mann-Whitney U test can be considered a test for the difference in medians or means. However, it is crucial to recognize that this interpretation is only valid under these specific assumptions.

4. Assumptions for Interpreting as Medians Test

To interpret the Mann-Whitney U test as a comparison of medians, certain assumptions must be met. These assumptions ensure that the test’s results can be accurately interpreted in terms of differences in central tendency.

4.1. Identically Shaped Distributions

The most critical assumption is that the distributions of the two populations have the same shape. This means that the only difference between the two distributions is a shift in location (i.e., one distribution is simply shifted to the left or right relative to the other). If the distributions have different shapes, the Mann-Whitney U test may not accurately reflect differences in medians.

4.2. Equal Variances

Another important assumption is that the variances of the two populations are equal. Unequal variances can affect the Mann-Whitney U test’s ability to accurately compare the central tendencies of the two groups. If the variances are substantially different, it may be more appropriate to use alternative tests that do not assume equal variances.

4.3. Example of Valid Median Comparison

Suppose you are comparing the incomes of two groups, A and B. Both groups have income distributions that are approximately normal, but Group B’s income distribution is shifted to the right compared to Group A’s. In this case, the assumption of identically shaped distributions is met, and the Mann-Whitney U test can be interpreted as a comparison of medians.

4.4. Example of Invalid Median Comparison

Now suppose you are comparing the test scores of two groups, X and Y. Group X’s test scores are normally distributed, while Group Y’s test scores are bimodal (i.e., have two peaks). In this case, the assumption of identically shaped distributions is not met, and the Mann-Whitney U test should not be interpreted as a comparison of medians. Instead, it should be interpreted as a comparison of the overall distributions of the two groups.

4.5. How to Check the Assumptions

Several methods can be used to check whether the assumptions for interpreting the Mann-Whitney U test as a median comparison are met:

  • Visual Inspection: Plot the distributions of the two groups using histograms or density plots. Visually inspect the plots to see if the distributions have roughly the same shape.
  • Statistical Tests: Use statistical tests such as the Levene’s test or the Bartlett’s test to formally test for equal variances.
  • Box Plots: Create box plots of the two groups. Compare the shapes and spreads of the boxes to assess whether the distributions have similar shapes and variances.

4.6. Consequences of Violating Assumptions

If the assumptions for interpreting the Mann-Whitney U test as a median comparison are violated, the test results may be misleading. In particular, the p-value may not accurately reflect the true difference in medians between the two groups. In such cases, it is essential to interpret the test results cautiously and consider using alternative tests or methods that do not rely on these assumptions.

5. Impact of Distribution Shape on Test Interpretation

The shape of the distributions being compared significantly influences the interpretation of the Mann-Whitney U test. Different distribution shapes can lead to different conclusions about the nature of the differences between the two groups.

5.1. Symmetric Distributions

When both groups have symmetric distributions, the Mann-Whitney U test can often be interpreted as a test of medians or means. Symmetric distributions are those that have the same shape on both sides of the center. Examples of symmetric distributions include the normal distribution and the t-distribution.

5.2. Skewed Distributions

Skewed distributions are those that are not symmetric. They have a longer tail on one side than the other. If one or both groups have skewed distributions, the Mann-Whitney U test may not accurately reflect differences in medians or means. Instead, it may be more appropriate to interpret the test as a comparison of the overall distributions of the two groups.

5.3. Multimodal Distributions

Multimodal distributions are those that have more than one peak. If one or both groups have multimodal distributions, the Mann-Whitney U test may be difficult to interpret. The test may detect a significant difference between the two groups, but it may not be clear what this difference represents.

5.4. Example: Skewed Data

Suppose you are comparing the response times of two groups of participants in a cognitive task. Group A has response times that are approximately normally distributed, while Group B has response times that are right-skewed (i.e., have a long tail on the right). In this case, the Mann-Whitney U test may detect a significant difference between the two groups, but this difference may not be due to differences in medians or means. Instead, it may be due to differences in the shape of the distributions.

5.5. Visualizing Distributions

Visualizing the distributions of the two groups is crucial for understanding the results of the Mann-Whitney U test. Histograms, density plots, and box plots can all be used to visualize the distributions and assess their shape. By examining these plots, you can gain insights into the nature of the differences between the two groups and determine whether it is appropriate to interpret the test as a comparison of medians or means.

5.6. Alternatives for Non-Identical Distributions

If the distributions of the two groups are not identically shaped, there are several alternative tests and methods that can be used:

  • Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test: This test compares the cumulative distribution functions of the two groups. It is more general than the Mann-Whitney U test and does not require the assumption of identically shaped distributions.
  • Median Test: This test directly compares the medians of the two groups. It is less powerful than the Mann-Whitney U test but may be more appropriate when the distributions are not identically shaped.
  • Bootstrapping: Bootstrapping is a resampling technique that can be used to estimate the difference in medians or means between the two groups. It does not require any assumptions about the shape of the distributions.

6. When the Mann-Whitney Test Fails to Detect Differences

There are situations where the Mann-Whitney U test might not detect a significant difference between two groups, even when a difference exists. Understanding these scenarios is crucial for interpreting the test results correctly.

6.1. Small Sample Sizes

The Mann-Whitney U test, like any statistical test, requires a sufficient sample size to detect a significant difference. With small sample sizes, the test may lack the power to detect a true difference between the two groups, leading to a false negative result (i.e., failing to reject the null hypothesis when it is false).

6.2. Overlapping Distributions

If the distributions of the two groups overlap substantially, the Mann-Whitney U test may not detect a significant difference. Overlapping distributions mean that the values in the two groups are highly intermixed, making it difficult to distinguish between them.

6.3. Similar Mean Ranks

The Mann-Whitney U test compares the mean ranks of the two groups. If the mean ranks are similar, the test will not detect a significant difference. This can happen even if the medians or means of the two groups are different, especially if the distributions have different shapes.

6.4. Large Variability

If the variability within each group is large, the Mann-Whitney U test may not detect a significant difference. Large variability means that the values within each group are widely spread out, making it difficult to detect a consistent difference between the two groups.

6.5. Example: High Variability

Consider two groups with the following data:

  • Group A: 1, 5, 10, 15, 20
  • Group B: 3, 7, 12, 17, 22

The medians of the two groups are different (10 vs. 12), but the variability within each group is large. The Mann-Whitney U test may not detect a significant difference between the two groups due to the high variability.

6.6. How to Address the Issue

If the Mann-Whitney U test fails to detect a significant difference, there are several steps you can take to address the issue:

  • Increase Sample Size: Increasing the sample size can increase the power of the test and make it more likely to detect a true difference.
  • Reduce Variability: Reducing the variability within each group can also increase the power of the test. This can be achieved by controlling for confounding variables or by using more precise measurement methods.
  • Use a More Powerful Test: If the assumptions of parametric tests are met, you can use a more powerful test such as the t-test or ANOVA.
  • Transform the Data: Transforming the data can sometimes reduce variability and make the distributions more similar in shape.
  • Consider Alternative Tests: Consider using alternative nonparametric tests such as the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test or the median test.

7. Kruskal-Wallis Test: Extension to Multiple Groups

The Kruskal-Wallis test is a nonparametric test that extends the Mann-Whitney U test to compare three or more independent groups. It is used to determine if the groups come from populations with the same distribution.

7.1. Purpose of the Kruskal-Wallis Test

The Kruskal-Wallis test assesses whether there is a statistically significant difference between three or more independent groups. Like the Mann-Whitney U test, it is a nonparametric test that does not require the data to be normally distributed. It is particularly useful when dealing with ordinal data or when the assumptions of parametric tests are not met.

7.2. How the Test Works

The Kruskal-Wallis test works by ranking all the data from the combined groups and then comparing the sum of ranks for each group. The test statistic, H, is calculated based on the ranks and the sample sizes of the groups. A small p-value indicates that there is a statistically significant difference between the groups.

7.3. When to Use Kruskal-Wallis

The Kruskal-Wallis test should be used when you want to compare three or more independent groups and the data do not meet the assumptions of parametric tests such as ANOVA. It is suitable for ordinal data and non-normal data.

7.4. Example: Comparing Multiple Treatments

Suppose you are comparing the effectiveness of three different treatments for a medical condition. You have data on the improvement scores of patients receiving each treatment. The data are not normally distributed, so you use the Kruskal-Wallis test to determine if there is a significant difference between the treatments.

7.5. Post-Hoc Analysis

If the Kruskal-Wallis test detects a significant difference between the groups, you can perform post-hoc tests to determine which specific groups are different from each other. Common post-hoc tests for the Kruskal-Wallis test include the Dunn’s test and the Conover-Iman test.

7.6. Relationship to Mann-Whitney

The Kruskal-Wallis test is essentially an extension of the Mann-Whitney U test to multiple groups. When there are only two groups, the Kruskal-Wallis test is equivalent to the Mann-Whitney U test.

8. Practical Examples of Mann-Whitney Test

To further illustrate the application of the Mann-Whitney U test, let’s consider several practical examples across different fields.

8.1. Example 1: Medical Research

Scenario: A researcher wants to compare the effectiveness of two different pain relief medications, Medication A and Medication B. Patients are randomly assigned to receive either Medication A or Medication B, and their pain levels are measured on a scale from 1 to 10 (1 being no pain and 10 being severe pain). The data are not normally distributed.

Data:

  • Medication A: 3, 4, 4, 5, 6, 6, 7
  • Medication B: 5, 6, 7, 8, 8, 9, 9

Analysis: The researcher uses the Mann-Whitney U test to compare the pain levels of the two groups. The test results show a significant difference (p < 0.05), indicating that Medication A provides significantly better pain relief compared to Medication B.

Interpretation: In this case, the Mann-Whitney U test helps determine which medication is more effective in alleviating pain, even though the data do not meet the normality assumptions required for a t-test.

8.2. Example 2: Psychology

Scenario: A psychologist wants to compare the anxiety levels of two groups of participants: those who receive cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and those who receive a placebo treatment. Anxiety levels are measured using a standardized anxiety scale.

Data:

  • CBT Group: 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20
  • Placebo Group: 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 25

Analysis: The Mann-Whitney U test is used to compare the anxiety levels of the two groups. The test results show a significant difference (p < 0.01), indicating that CBT significantly reduces anxiety levels compared to the placebo treatment.

Interpretation: The Mann-Whitney U test is useful in this scenario to assess the effectiveness of a therapeutic intervention without assuming a normal distribution of anxiety levels.

8.3. Example 3: Education

Scenario: An educator wants to compare the performance of students taught using two different teaching methods: Method X and Method Y. Student performance is measured by exam scores.

Data:

  • Method X: 65, 70, 72, 75, 78, 80, 82
  • Method Y: 70, 75, 77, 80, 83, 85, 88

Analysis: The Mann-Whitney U test is applied to compare the exam scores of the two groups. The test results show no significant difference (p > 0.05), indicating that there is no significant difference in student performance between the two teaching methods.

Interpretation: In this case, the Mann-Whitney U test helps determine whether the two teaching methods have different impacts on student performance. The non-significant result suggests that both methods are equally effective, or that other factors may be influencing student performance.

8.4. Example 4: Business

Scenario: A company wants to compare the satisfaction ratings of customers using two different versions of a product, Version A and Version B. Customer satisfaction is rated on a scale from 1 to 7.

Data:

  • Version A: 4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7
  • Version B: 5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 7, 7

Analysis: The Mann-Whitney U test is used to compare the satisfaction ratings of the two groups. The test results show a significant difference (p < 0.05), indicating that customers are significantly more satisfied with Version B compared to Version A.

Interpretation: The Mann-Whitney U test is useful in this business scenario to evaluate customer preferences and identify which product version leads to higher satisfaction.

9. Understanding the P-Value in the Mann-Whitney Test

The p-value is a critical component of the Mann-Whitney U test, providing a measure of the statistical significance of the observed difference between the two groups.

9.1. Definition of the P-Value

The p-value represents the probability of obtaining test results as extreme as, or more extreme than, the results actually observed, assuming that the null hypothesis is true. In the context of the Mann-Whitney U test, the null hypothesis is that the two groups come from populations with the same distribution.

9.2. Interpretation of the P-Value

The p-value is used to make a decision about the null hypothesis. If the p-value is less than or equal to a predetermined significance level (alpha, typically 0.05), the null hypothesis is rejected, indicating that there is a statistically significant difference between the two groups. If the p-value is greater than the significance level, the null hypothesis is not rejected, suggesting that there is no significant difference between the two groups.

9.3. Common Misinterpretations

It is important to avoid common misinterpretations of the p-value:

  • The p-value is not the probability that the null hypothesis is true. It is the probability of observing the data, or more extreme data, given that the null hypothesis is true.
  • A small p-value does not necessarily mean that the difference between the two groups is large or practically significant. It only indicates that the observed difference is unlikely to have occurred by chance.
  • A large p-value does not necessarily mean that the null hypothesis is true. It only indicates that there is not enough evidence to reject the null hypothesis.

9.4. Factors Affecting the P-Value

Several factors can affect the p-value in the Mann-Whitney U test:

  • Sample Size: Larger sample sizes tend to result in smaller p-values, as they provide more statistical power to detect true differences.
  • Effect Size: Larger effect sizes (i.e., greater differences between the two groups) tend to result in smaller p-values.
  • Variability: Lower variability within each group tends to result in smaller p-values.

9.5. Reporting the P-Value

When reporting the results of the Mann-Whitney U test, it is important to include the p-value along with the test statistic (U) and the sample sizes of the two groups. For example:

“The Mann-Whitney U test showed a significant difference between Group A and Group B (U = 25, n1 = 20, n2 = 20, p = 0.03).”

9.6. Using Confidence Intervals

In addition to the p-value, it can be helpful to report confidence intervals for the difference in medians or means between the two groups. Confidence intervals provide a range of plausible values for the true difference and can help assess the practical significance of the observed difference.

10. FAQ About Mann-Whitney Test

To provide a comprehensive understanding of the Mann-Whitney U test, let’s address some frequently asked questions.

10.1. What is the Mann-Whitney U test used for?

The Mann-Whitney U test is used to determine if two independent samples were selected from populations having the same distribution. It is a nonparametric test that does not require the data to be normally distributed.

10.2. How does the Mann-Whitney U test differ from the t-test?

The Mann-Whitney U test is a nonparametric test, while the t-test is a parametric test. The t-test assumes that the data are normally distributed, while the Mann-Whitney U test does not. The Mann-Whitney U test is generally used when the data do not meet the assumptions of the t-test.

10.3. What are the assumptions of the Mann-Whitney U test?

The assumptions of the Mann-Whitney U test are:

  • The two samples are independent.
  • The data are at least ordinal (i.e., the values can be ranked).
  • The distributions of the two populations have the same shape (for interpreting the test as a comparison of medians).

10.4. How is the U statistic calculated?

The U statistic is calculated based on the ranks of the observations in the two groups. The data from both groups are combined and ranked together, with the smallest value receiving a rank of 1, the next smallest a rank of 2, and so on. The U statistic is then calculated using the formulas:

  • U1 = n1 * n2 + [n1(n1 + 1)] / 2 – R1
  • U2 = n1 * n2 + [n2(n2 + 1)] / 2 – R2
    U = min(U1, U2)

10.5. How do I interpret the p-value in the Mann-Whitney U test?

If the p-value is less than or equal to the significance level (typically 0.05), the null hypothesis is rejected, indicating that there is a statistically significant difference between the two groups. If the p-value is greater than the significance level, the null hypothesis is not rejected, suggesting that there is no significant difference between the two groups.

10.6. Can the Mann-Whitney U test be used with small sample sizes?

Yes, the Mann-Whitney U test can be used with small sample sizes. However, the power of the test may be limited, meaning it may not be able to detect a true difference between the two groups.

10.7. What do I do if the Mann-Whitney U test is not significant?

If the Mann-Whitney U test is not significant, you can try increasing the sample size, reducing the variability within each group, or using a more powerful test. You can also consider transforming the data or using alternative nonparametric tests.

10.8. How do I handle tied ranks in the Mann-Whitney U test?

Tied ranks are handled by assigning the average rank to the tied values. Corrections are available to mitigate the effect of tied ranks on the test results.

10.9. Can the Mann-Whitney U test be used for paired data?

No, the Mann-Whitney U test is designed for independent samples. For paired data, you should use the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

10.10. What are some alternative tests to the Mann-Whitney U test?

Alternative tests to the Mann-Whitney U test include:

  • T-test (if the data are normally distributed)
  • Kolmogorov-Smirnov test
  • Median test
  • Wilcoxon signed-rank test (for paired data)

Understanding the nuances of the Mann-Whitney U test, including its comparison of mean ranks, assumptions, and interpretations, is essential for accurate statistical analysis. Remember, this test evaluates whether two independent samples originate from populations with the same distribution, and it can be a powerful tool when parametric assumptions are not met.

Are you struggling to compare statistical tests like the Mann-Whitney U test and make informed decisions for your research? Visit COMPARE.EDU.VN for detailed, objective comparisons and expert insights. Our resources provide clear explanations, practical examples, and comprehensive analyses to help you choose the best methods for your data. Don’t make decisions based on incomplete information; explore COMPARE.EDU.VN today and ensure your research is built on solid ground. Contact us at 333 Comparison Plaza, Choice City, CA 90210, United States. Whatsapp: +1 (626) 555-9090. Let compare.edu.vn be your guide to confident and accurate data analysis.

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