A researcher measures the fasting blood glucose of 25 patients before and after administering a herbal supplement for 6 weeks. The data are normally distributed. Which statistical test is most appropriate to determine if the supplement significantly changed blood glucose levels?
- A Independent-samples t-test
- B Chi-square test
- C Paired t-test ✓
- D One-way ANOVA
Correct answer: C. Paired t-test
Explanation
The paired t-test is used when measurements are taken from the same subjects under two different conditions (before and after). Since each patient serves as their own control and the differences are normally distributed, the paired t-test is appropriate. The independent-samples t-test is for two separate groups, and ANOVA is for three or more groups.
Reference: Methods in Biostatistics, 7th ed.
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