To compare the mean scores of two groups, which statistical test should be used?

To compare the mean scores of two groups, which statistical test should be used?

• A. ANOVA
• B. T Test
• C. Chi-Square
• D. Correlation

Answer: (B)

When you want to know if two groups differ in their average scores, you use a t test. This method specifically asks whether the observed difference between the two sample means is larger than what would be expected if both groups came from populations with the same mean. There are two common versions: an independent samples t test for two different groups, and a paired-samples t test when the same participants are measured twice. If you have more than two groups, you’d use ANOVA. Chi-square is for categorical outcomes to test relationships or independence, not mean differences. Correlation assesses the strength and direction of a relationship between two continuous variables, not a difference in means. So, for comparing mean scores of two groups, the t test is the appropriate choice.

When you want to know if two groups differ in their average scores, you use a t test. This method specifically asks whether the observed difference between the two sample means is larger than what would be expected if both groups came from populations with the same mean. There are two common versions: an independent samples t test for two different groups, and a paired-samples t test when the same participants are measured twice. If you have more than two groups, you’d use ANOVA. Chi-square is for categorical outcomes to test relationships or independence, not mean differences. Correlation assesses the strength and direction of a relationship between two continuous variables, not a difference in means. So, for comparing mean scores of two groups, the t test is the appropriate choice.