Independent simple random samples are selected to test the difference between the means of two populations whose standard deviations are not known. We are unwilling to assume that the population variances are equal. The sample sizes are n₁ = 25 and n₂ = 35. The correct distribution to use is the t distribution with ______ degrees of freedom. A) 25 B) 35 C) 58 D) The correct degrees of freedom cannot be calculated without being given the sample standard deviations.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The degrees of freedom for a t-test comparing the means of two independent samples, when the population variances are unknown and not assumed to be equal, are calculated using the sample sizes and standard deviations of both samples. Without the sample standard deviations, the exact degrees of freedom cannot be determined.

Independent Simple Random Samples Are Selected to Test the Difference