A researcher compares the effectiveness of three antihypertensive regimens in reducing SBP by repeatedly measuring the same 20 patients under each regimen. The most appropriate statistical test is:
- A One-way ANOVA
- B Repeated measures ANOVA ✓
- C Kruskal-Wallis test
- D Chi-square test
Correct answer: B. Repeated measures ANOVA
Explanation
When the same subjects are measured under multiple conditions (repeated measures on the same individuals), repeated measures ANOVA is appropriate — it accounts for within-subject correlation, which one-way ANOVA ignores. Chi-square is for categorical outcomes, and Kruskal-Wallis is the non-parametric alternative for independent groups. The within-subject design provides greater statistical power by controlling for inter-individual variability.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
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