A researcher wants to compare the proportion of smokers among males and females in a village. The data are categorical (smoker/non-smoker) and the groups are independent. The appropriate test is:
- A Chi-square test ✓
- B Independent t-test
- C Paired t-test
- D ANOVA
Correct answer: A. Chi-square test
Explanation
When comparing proportions between two independent groups with categorical data, the chi-square test is the standard choice. The paired t-test is for continuous paired data. The independent t-test compares means of continuous variables. ANOVA compares means across three or more groups. Distinguishing tests by data type (categorical versus continuous) and design (paired versus independent) is a core PSM skill.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 26th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.