A study measures systolic blood pressure in 20 hypertensive patients before and after a 4-week yoga intervention. The mean reduction is 8 mmHg with a standard deviation of the differences being 12 mmHg. Which statistical test is most appropriate to determine if the reduction is statistically significant?
- A Independent samples t-test
- B Paired t-test ✓
- C Chi-square test
- D One-way ANOVA
Correct answer: B. Paired t-test
Explanation
Paired t-test is used when measurements are taken from the same subjects before and after an intervention. The analysis uses the mean of the differences and the standard deviation of those differences. Independent t-test is for two separate groups. Chi-square is for categorical data. ANOVA is for comparing more than two groups.
Reference: Methods in Biostatistics, 7th ed.
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