A researcher wants to test whether a new antihypertensive drug is MORE effective than the standard treatment, not merely different. The appropriate choice of statistical test is:
- A Two-tailed test
- B Either one-tailed or two-tailed is acceptable
- C One-tailed test ✓
- D Cannot be determined without knowing the sample size
Correct answer: C. One-tailed test
Explanation
A one-tailed test is used when the direction of the effect is specified in the hypothesis (superiority in one direction). A two-tailed test is used when only a difference is hypothesized without specifying direction. Since the researcher specifically wants to test if the new drug is MORE effective, a one-tailed test is appropriate.
Reference: Methods in Biostatistics, 7th ed.
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