If a researcher wants to use a control group as well as an experimental group, which type of t test is MOST appropriate and why?
A) z test; it is a single-sample, within-groups design
B) paired-samples t test; it is a single-sample, between-groups design
C) independent-samples t test; it is a two-sample, within-groups design
D) independent-samples t test; it is a two-sample, between-groups design

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The use of a control group and an experimental group suggests a between-groups design, which rules out choices A and B. Additionally, the use of two groups implies a two-sample design, which eliminates choice C. Therefore, the most appropriate choice is D, the independent-samples t test, which is designed specifically for comparing means between two separate groups.

If a Researcher Wants to Use a Control Group as Well