A researcher compares mean birth weight across three independent groups (normal, preeclamptic, and diabetic mothers). The appropriate single statistical test is:
- A Paired t-test
- B Unpaired t-test
- C One-way ANOVA ✓
- D Chi-square test
Correct answer: C. One-way ANOVA
Explanation
One-way ANOVA compares means of a continuous normally distributed variable across three or more independent groups simultaneously, avoiding the Type I error inflation from multiple pairwise t-tests. The unpaired t-test compares only two groups; paired t-test requires matched data; chi-square tests categorical outcomes. If ANOVA yields a significant F-statistic, post-hoc tests (Tukey, Bonferroni) identify which specific group pairs differ.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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