1. What is the difference between a one-sample and independent samples t-test?
The difference between these two lies in the comparison aspect during the research process. For the one-sample t-test, comparing obtained mean scores in a chosen or observed sample by the researcher to a specific hypothesized or pre-defined value, e.g., is mean (µ)=3.5?. This varies in the independent sample t-test, which focuses on comparing one group´s mean to the respective mean obtained in a distinct other group, e.g., married persons against single persons, or male nurses against sampled female nurses. Hence, as opposed to comparing with a hypothesized value, an independent t-test considers group-based variations.
2. What type of variable is used for the independent variable in an independent samples t-test?
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Categorical variable, i.e., for the independent samples t-test, one must ensure that their independent variable is characterized as being categorical, which forms an essential assumption for this t-test. Moreover, there must be only two groups with this test, making up the categorical variables, which will be consequently compared. By definition, the independent samples t-test focused on examining and comparing means across groups, making it essential to have two distinct categories. For example, in an investigation, one might have participants divided across male and female, or in another category of in-patient and out-patient persons within a hospital, and even across single and married persons. In this case, there is only categorizing, without ordering the groups intrinsically during the research process.
3. What type of variable is used for the dependent variable in an independent samples t-test?
Continuous variable, as this forms a key assumption for this test. In comparing means across the specific focus groups, while conducting independent samples t-test, the dependent variable needs to be continuous. With a continuous variable, the chosen variable's potential is to take unlimited or infinite number values on the applied measurement scale, considering the lowest to the scale´s highest points. Two sub-groups exist for continuous variables that can be used, including either be ratio or interval groupings.
