We want to compare the scores of different groups on a measure of reaction time. Three different groups were studied: patients with recent head injuries, patients with head injuries that occurred a year ago, and a control group of non-injured people. We want to know which group of people has the fastest reaction time. What is the best statistical test to use to find this out?
A) one way ANOVA
B) factorial ANOVA
C) paired samples t-test
D) correlation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The best statistical test to use in this scenario is a one way ANOVA since we are comparing the means of more than two independent groups. A factorial ANOVA is used to assess multiple independent variables, which is not needed in this case. A paired samples t-test is used when we want to compare two related groups, which is not the case here since we have three independent groups. Correlation is used to test the relationship between two continuous variables, which is not applicable in this scenario since we are comparing different groups.

We Want to Compare the Scores of Different Groups on a Measure