4.3.9 Variation: t-test Method

Question 1

What does the T test do?

Answer 1

• Compare means of 2 sets of data

Question 2

Conditions for a t-test to work?

Answer 2

• Normal distribution
• Continuous data
• Standard deviations of the data should be roughly equal

Question 3

Steps to carrying out a T test

Answer 3

1. Null and alternate hypothesis
2. Calculate mean for each data set
3. Standard deviation for each data set
4. Plug SD into t-test formula
5. Calculate degrees of freedom v = (n-1) + (m-1)
6. Read off data table like you would in stats
7. If T value greater than critical value, then the difference between the 2 means is significant, reject null hypothesis, accept alternate hypothesis
8. State conclusion