A statistical test that permits assessment of possible significance of…
2023
A statistical test that permits assessment of possible significance of difference across means of multiple groups, is
Answer: B. Analysis of variance — ConceptWhen several group means are compared, separate the variation attributable to differences among groups from the variation within groups. The ratio of…
- A.
Student's t-test
- B.
Analysis of variance
- C.
Paired t-test
- D.
Chi-square test
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Concept
When several group means are compared, separate the variation attributable to differences among groups from the variation within groups. The ratio of these two variation estimates provides a single test statistic.
This is the principle of analysis of variance: it evaluates mean differences through an F statistic while accounting for within-group variability.
Application
The stem asks for a test that assesses the possible significance of differences across the means of multiple groups. Analysis of variance is designed for this comparison, so the answer is Analysis of variance.
Contrast
Student's t-test ordinarily compares one pair of independent group means.
A paired t-test analyzes the mean of within-pair differences for linked observations.
A chi-square test analyzes categorical counts or frequencies rather than comparing several means.
Cross-check
The wording “multiple groups” and “means” requires one simultaneous comparison based on between-group and within-group variability, which is the ANOVA framework.