In a small pilot study comparing a new topical treatment versus placebo for fungal infection, 8 patients are enrolled per group. The outcome is cure yes/no at 2 weeks. The results show 1 cure in placebo and 6 cures in treatment group. The most appropriate statistical test is:
- A Chi-square test
- B Independent samples t-test
- C Fisher's exact test ✓
- D McNemar's test
Correct answer: C. Fisher's exact test
Explanation
With small expected cell counts (less than 5 in some cells), Fisher's exact test is preferred over chi-square. The expected count in the placebo cure cell is 3.5, violating the chi-square assumption. McNemar's test is for paired or matched data, which this is not. t-test is for continuous outcomes.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 26th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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