A researcher measures systolic blood pressure in 30 patients before and after administering a new antihypertensive drug. The mean reduction is 8 mmHg. The most appropriate statistical test to determine if this reduction is statistically significant is:
- 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 the same subjects are measured twice, creating dependent or paired observations. Here, each patient serves as their own control with before and after measurements. The independent t-test is for two separate groups. Chi-square tests association between categorical variables. One-way ANOVA compares means across three or more independent groups.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
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