Choosing the right statistical test to compare two groups is crucial for drawing accurate conclusions from your data. At COMPARE.EDU.VN, we provide comprehensive guides and resources to help you navigate the complexities of statistical analysis and make informed decisions. Selecting the appropriate statistical analysis ensures that your research findings are valid and reliable.
1. Introduction to Statistical Tests for Group Comparisons
Statistical tests are essential tools for researchers and analysts who need to determine if there are significant differences between two or more groups. These tests provide a framework for evaluating whether observed differences are likely due to a real effect or simply due to random chance. Selecting the appropriate test depends on several factors, including the type of data, the research question, and the assumptions that can be made about the data distribution. At COMPARE.EDU.VN, our goal is to simplify this process by providing clear, accessible information and resources.
Statistical hypothesis testing allows you to evaluate if there’s enough evidence to reject the null hypothesis, which assumes no difference between the groups being compared. The alternative hypothesis, on the other hand, suggests that there is a statistically significant difference. By understanding these foundational concepts, you can confidently choose and apply the correct statistical test for your analysis. COMPARE.EDU.VN offers detailed explanations and practical examples to support your learning.
2. Key Considerations Before Choosing a Statistical Test
Before diving into specific statistical tests, it’s important to consider several key factors that will influence your choice. These considerations ensure that the selected test is appropriate for your data and research question.
2.1. Type of Data
The type of data you are working with is a primary factor in determining the appropriate statistical test. Data can be broadly classified into two categories: numerical (continuous or discrete) and categorical (nominal or ordinal).
- Numerical Data: This includes continuous data, such as height, weight, or temperature, and discrete data, which are counts, such as the number of items.
- Categorical Data: This includes nominal data, where variables are named without any numerical value (e.g., colors, types of fruit), and ordinal data, where categories have a meaningful order (e.g., education levels, satisfaction ratings).
Using the wrong type of test for your data can lead to inaccurate results. COMPARE.EDU.VN provides detailed guides on identifying your data type and matching it with the appropriate statistical test.
2.2. Research Question
The specific research question you are trying to answer will guide your choice of statistical test. Common research questions include:
- Are the means of two groups different?
- Is there an association between two categorical variables?
- Is there a correlation between two continuous variables?
Clearly defining your research question helps narrow down the options and ensures that the selected test is relevant to your objectives. COMPARE.EDU.VN offers a range of examples and templates to help you formulate your research questions effectively.
2.3. Assumptions of the Test
Many statistical tests rely on certain assumptions about the data, such as normality (the data follows a normal distribution) and homogeneity of variance (the variance is equal across groups). It is essential to verify whether these assumptions are met before applying a test. Violating these assumptions can lead to incorrect conclusions.
- Normality: Data should follow a normal distribution. This can be assessed using histograms, Q-Q plots, or statistical tests like the Shapiro-Wilk test.
- Homogeneity of Variance: The variance should be equal across the groups being compared. This can be assessed using Levene’s test.
- Independence: Observations should be independent of each other.
COMPARE.EDU.VN provides resources to help you check these assumptions and offers alternative tests if your data do not meet the required conditions.
3. Parametric Tests: When to Use Them
Parametric tests are statistical tests that make assumptions about the distribution of the data, particularly that the data are normally distributed. These tests are generally more powerful than non-parametric tests when their assumptions are met.
3.1. T-tests: Comparing Means of Two Groups
T-tests are used to determine if there is a significant difference between the means of two groups. There are several types of t-tests, each suitable for different scenarios.
3.1.1. Independent Samples T-test
The independent samples t-test (also known as the two-sample t-test) is used when you want to compare the means of two independent groups. These groups should be unrelated, meaning the observations in one group do not influence the observations in the other group.
Example:
Comparing the test scores of students taught using two different teaching methods. The students in each group are different individuals.
Assumptions:
- The data for each group are normally distributed.
- The variances of the two groups are equal (homogeneity of variance).
- The observations are independent.
How to Perform:
- State the hypotheses:
- Null Hypothesis (H0): There is no difference in the means of the two groups.
- Alternative Hypothesis (H1): There is a difference in the means of the two groups.
- Calculate the t-statistic:
- t = (Mean1 – Mean2) / (√(s1²/n1 + s2²/n2))
- Where:
- Mean1 and Mean2 are the sample means of the two groups.
- s1² and s2² are the sample variances of the two groups.
- n1 and n2 are the sample sizes of the two groups.
- Determine the degrees of freedom (df):
- df = n1 + n2 – 2
- Find the p-value:
- Using the t-statistic and degrees of freedom, find the p-value from a t-distribution table or using statistical software.
- Make a decision:
- If the p-value is less than the significance level (usually 0.05), reject the null hypothesis. This indicates that there is a significant difference between the means of the two groups.
3.1.2. Paired Samples T-test
The paired samples t-test (also known as the dependent samples t-test) is used when you want to compare the means of two related groups. This typically involves measuring the same subjects under two different conditions.
Example:
Measuring the blood pressure of patients before and after taking a medication. The same patients are measured twice.
Assumptions:
- The differences between the paired observations are normally distributed.
- The observations are dependent (paired).
How to Perform:
- State the hypotheses:
- Null Hypothesis (H0): There is no difference in the means of the paired observations.
- Alternative Hypothesis (H1): There is a difference in the means of the paired observations.
- Calculate the difference for each pair:
- Difference = Observation1 – Observation2
- Calculate the mean of the differences (MeanD):
- MeanD = (Σ Differences) / n
- Where n is the number of pairs.
- Calculate the standard deviation of the differences (SD_D):
- Calculate the t-statistic:
- t = MeanD / (SD_D / √n)
- Determine the degrees of freedom (df):
- df = n – 1
- Find the p-value:
- Using the t-statistic and degrees of freedom, find the p-value from a t-distribution table or using statistical software.
- Make a decision:
- If the p-value is less than the significance level (usually 0.05), reject the null hypothesis. This indicates that there is a significant difference between the means of the paired observations.
3.1.3. One-Sample T-test
The one-sample t-test is used when you want to compare the mean of a single group to a known or hypothesized population mean.
Example:
Comparing the average height of students in a school to the national average height.
Assumptions:
- The data are normally distributed.
- The population standard deviation is unknown.
How to Perform:
- State the hypotheses:
- Null Hypothesis (H0): The mean of the sample is equal to the hypothesized population mean.
- Alternative Hypothesis (H1): The mean of the sample is different from the hypothesized population mean.
- Calculate the t-statistic:
- t = (Sample Mean – Population Mean) / (Sample Standard Deviation / √n)
- Where:
- Sample Mean is the mean of your sample.
- Population Mean is the known or hypothesized population mean.
- Sample Standard Deviation is the standard deviation of your sample.
- n is the sample size.
- Determine the degrees of freedom (df):
- df = n – 1
- Find the p-value:
- Using the t-statistic and degrees of freedom, find the p-value from a t-distribution table or using statistical software.
- Make a decision:
- If the p-value is less than the significance level (usually 0.05), reject the null hypothesis. This indicates that the mean of the sample is significantly different from the hypothesized population mean.
COMPARE.EDU.VN provides calculators and step-by-step guides to help you perform t-tests accurately.
3.2. ANOVA: Comparing Means of More Than Two Groups
ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) is used to compare the means of three or more groups. It determines whether there are any statistically significant differences between the means of the groups.
3.2.1. One-Way ANOVA
One-way ANOVA is used when you have one independent variable (factor) with three or more levels (groups) and one dependent variable.
Example:
Comparing the effectiveness of three different fertilizers on plant growth. The fertilizer is the independent variable, and plant growth is the dependent variable.
Assumptions:
- The data for each group are normally distributed.
- The variances of the groups are equal (homogeneity of variance).
- The observations are independent.
How to Perform:
- State the hypotheses:
- Null Hypothesis (H0): The means of all groups are equal.
- Alternative Hypothesis (H1): At least one group mean is different.
- Calculate the overall mean (Grand Mean):
- Grand Mean = (Σ all observations) / (Total number of observations)
- Calculate the Sum of Squares Between Groups (SSB):
- SSB = Σ [n_i * (Mean_i – Grand Mean)²]
- Where:
- n_i is the sample size of each group.
- Mean_i is the mean of each group.
- Calculate the Sum of Squares Within Groups (SSW):
- SSW = Σ [Σ (X_ij – Mean_i)²]
- Where:
- X_ij is each individual observation in each group.
- Calculate the degrees of freedom:
- df_B (Between Groups) = k – 1
- df_W (Within Groups) = N – k
- Where:
- k is the number of groups.
- N is the total number of observations.
- Calculate the Mean Squares:
- MSB (Mean Square Between) = SSB / df_B
- MSW (Mean Square Within) = SSW / df_W
- Calculate the F-statistic:
- F = MSB / MSW
- Find the p-value:
- Using the F-statistic and degrees of freedom, find the p-value from an F-distribution table or using statistical software.
- Make a decision:
- If the p-value is less than the significance level (usually 0.05), reject the null hypothesis. This indicates that there is a significant difference between the means of at least two groups.
3.2.2. Post-Hoc Tests
If the ANOVA test reveals a significant difference, post-hoc tests are used to determine which specific groups differ from each other. Common post-hoc tests include:
- Tukey’s HSD (Honestly Significant Difference): Controls for the family-wise error rate and is suitable when all pairwise comparisons are of interest.
- Bonferroni Correction: A more conservative approach that adjusts the significance level for each comparison.
- Scheffe’s Test: The most conservative post-hoc test, suitable for complex comparisons.
COMPARE.EDU.VN offers guidance on selecting and interpreting post-hoc tests to refine your analysis.
3.3. Correlation Tests: Examining Relationships Between Variables
Correlation tests are used to determine the strength and direction of a relationship between two continuous variables. These tests do not establish causation but indicate how closely the variables move together.
3.3.1. Pearson Correlation Coefficient
The Pearson correlation coefficient (r) measures the linear relationship between two continuous variables. It ranges from -1 to +1, where:
- +1 indicates a perfect positive correlation.
- -1 indicates a perfect negative correlation.
- 0 indicates no linear correlation.
Example:
Examining the relationship between hours studied and exam scores.
Assumptions:
- The data are normally distributed.
- The relationship between the variables is linear.
- The data are homoscedastic (the variance of the errors is constant across all levels of the independent variable).
How to Perform:
- State the hypotheses:
- Null Hypothesis (H0): There is no correlation between the two variables.
- Alternative Hypothesis (H1): There is a correlation between the two variables.
- Calculate the Pearson correlation coefficient (r):
- r = (Σ [(X_i – Mean_X) (Y_i – Mean_Y)]) / (√(Σ (X_i – Mean_X)²) √(Σ (Y_i – Mean_Y)²))
- Where:
- X_i and Y_i are the individual observations of the two variables.
- Mean_X and Mean_Y are the means of the two variables.
- Determine the degrees of freedom (df):
- df = n – 2
- Where n is the number of pairs.
- Find the p-value:
- Using the correlation coefficient and degrees of freedom, find the p-value from a correlation table or using statistical software.
- Make a decision:
- If the p-value is less than the significance level (usually 0.05), reject the null hypothesis. This indicates that there is a significant correlation between the two variables.
COMPARE.EDU.VN provides tools for calculating correlation coefficients and interpreting their significance.
4. Non-Parametric Tests: When Assumptions Are Violated
Non-parametric tests are statistical tests that do not rely on assumptions about the distribution of the data. They are particularly useful when the data are not normally distributed or when the sample sizes are small.
4.1. Mann-Whitney U Test: Comparing Two Independent Groups
The Mann-Whitney U test (also known as the Wilcoxon rank-sum test) is used to compare the medians of two independent groups when the data are not normally distributed.
Example:
Comparing the satisfaction scores of customers using two different customer service platforms.
Assumptions:
- The data are ordinal or continuous.
- The two groups are independent.
- The distributions of the two groups have the same shape.
How to Perform:
- State the hypotheses:
- Null Hypothesis (H0): There is no difference in the medians of the two groups.
- Alternative Hypothesis (H1): There is a difference in the medians of the two groups.
- Combine the data from both groups and rank them from lowest to highest.
- Calculate the sum of ranks for each group (R1 and R2).
- Calculate the U statistic for each group:
- U1 = n1 n2 + (n1 (n1 + 1)) / 2 – R1
- U2 = n1 n2 + (n2 (n2 + 1)) / 2 – R2
- Where:
- n1 and n2 are the sample sizes of the two groups.
- R1 and R2 are the sum of ranks for the two groups.
- Choose the smaller of U1 and U2 as the test statistic (U).
- Find the p-value:
- Using the U statistic and the sample sizes, find the p-value from a Mann-Whitney U table or using statistical software.
- Make a decision:
- If the p-value is less than the significance level (usually 0.05), reject the null hypothesis. This indicates that there is a significant difference between the medians of the two groups.
4.2. Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test: Comparing Two Related Groups
The Wilcoxon signed-rank test is used to compare the medians of two related groups when the data are not normally distributed.
Example:
Comparing the pain levels of patients before and after a treatment.
Assumptions:
- The data are ordinal or continuous.
- The two groups are related (paired).
- The differences between the paired observations are symmetric around the median.
How to Perform:
- State the hypotheses:
- Null Hypothesis (H0): There is no difference in the medians of the paired observations.
- Alternative Hypothesis (H1): There is a difference in the medians of the paired observations.
- Calculate the difference for each pair:
- Difference = Observation1 – Observation2
- Rank the absolute values of the differences, ignoring any differences equal to zero.
- Assign the sign of the original difference to the ranks.
- Calculate the sum of the positive ranks (T+) and the sum of the negative ranks (T-).
- Choose the smaller of T+ and T- as the test statistic (T).
- Find the p-value:
- Using the T statistic and the sample size, find the p-value from a Wilcoxon signed-rank table or using statistical software.
- Make a decision:
- If the p-value is less than the significance level (usually 0.05), reject the null hypothesis. This indicates that there is a significant difference between the medians of the paired observations.
4.3. Kruskal-Wallis Test: Comparing More Than Two Independent Groups
The Kruskal-Wallis test is used to compare the medians of three or more independent groups when the data are not normally distributed.
Example:
Comparing the performance ratings of employees from three different departments.
Assumptions:
- The data are ordinal or continuous.
- The groups are independent.
- The distributions of the groups have the same shape.
How to Perform:
- State the hypotheses:
- Null Hypothesis (H0): The medians of all groups are equal.
- Alternative Hypothesis (H1): At least one group median is different.
- Combine the data from all groups and rank them from lowest to highest.
- Calculate the sum of ranks for each group (R1, R2, R3, etc.).
- Calculate the Kruskal-Wallis H statistic:
- H = (12 / (N (N + 1))) Σ [(R_i² / n_i)] – 3 * (N + 1)
- Where:
- N is the total number of observations.
- R_i is the sum of ranks for each group.
- n_i is the sample size of each group.
- Determine the degrees of freedom (df):
- df = k – 1
- Where k is the number of groups.
- Find the p-value:
- Using the H statistic and degrees of freedom, find the p-value from a chi-square distribution table or using statistical software.
- Make a decision:
- If the p-value is less than the significance level (usually 0.05), reject the null hypothesis. This indicates that there is a significant difference between the medians of at least two groups.
4.4. Spearman’s Rank Correlation: Non-Parametric Correlation
Spearman’s rank correlation (ρ) measures the monotonic relationship between two variables, whether linear or not. It is particularly useful when the data are not normally distributed or when the relationship is not linear.
Example:
Examining the relationship between job satisfaction and employee performance ratings.
Assumptions:
- The data are ordinal or continuous.
- The relationship between the variables is monotonic (either consistently increasing or decreasing).
How to Perform:
- State the hypotheses:
- Null Hypothesis (H0): There is no monotonic correlation between the two variables.
- Alternative Hypothesis (H1): There is a monotonic correlation between the two variables.
- Rank each variable separately.
- Calculate the difference between the ranks for each pair (d_i).
- Calculate Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (ρ):
- ρ = 1 – (6 Σ d_i²) / (n (n² – 1))
- Where:
- d_i is the difference between the ranks for each pair.
- n is the number of pairs.
- Find the p-value:
- Using the correlation coefficient and the sample size, find the p-value from a Spearman’s rank correlation table or using statistical software.
- Make a decision:
- If the p-value is less than the significance level (usually 0.05), reject the null hypothesis. This indicates that there is a significant monotonic correlation between the two variables.
COMPARE.EDU.VN offers comprehensive resources on non-parametric tests, ensuring you can confidently analyze your data even when assumptions are violated.
5. Categorical Data: Chi-Square Test
When dealing with categorical data, the chi-square test is a valuable tool for determining if there is a significant association between two categorical variables.
5.1. Chi-Square Test of Independence
The chi-square test of independence is used to determine if there is a significant association between two categorical variables.
Example:
Examining whether there is an association between smoking status (smoker, non-smoker) and the development of lung cancer (yes, no).
Assumptions:
- The data are categorical.
- The observations are independent.
- Expected cell counts are sufficiently large (usually at least 5).
How to Perform:
- State the hypotheses:
- Null Hypothesis (H0): There is no association between the two categorical variables.
- Alternative Hypothesis (H1): There is an association between the two categorical variables.
- Create a contingency table:
- A contingency table displays the frequency of each combination of categories.
- Calculate the expected frequencies for each cell:
- Expected Frequency = (Row Total * Column Total) / Grand Total
- Calculate the chi-square statistic (χ²):
- χ² = Σ [(Observed Frequency – Expected Frequency)² / Expected Frequency]
- Determine the degrees of freedom (df):
- df = (Number of Rows – 1) * (Number of Columns – 1)
- Find the p-value:
- Using the chi-square statistic and degrees of freedom, find the p-value from a chi-square distribution table or using statistical software.
- Make a decision:
- If the p-value is less than the significance level (usually 0.05), reject the null hypothesis. This indicates that there is a significant association between the two categorical variables.
COMPARE.EDU.VN provides step-by-step guides and examples to help you conduct and interpret chi-square tests effectively.
6. Practical Examples and Case Studies
To illustrate the application of these statistical tests, let’s consider a few practical examples and case studies.
6.1. Case Study 1: Comparing Student Performance
A school wants to compare the performance of students who attended a tutoring program versus those who did not. They collect the final exam scores of two independent groups:
- Group 1: Students who attended the tutoring program (n1 = 30)
- Group 2: Students who did not attend the tutoring program (n2 = 30)
The data are numerical, and the research question is whether the means of the two groups are different. Assuming the data are normally distributed and the variances are equal, an independent samples t-test would be appropriate.
- Null Hypothesis (H0): There is no difference in the mean exam scores between the two groups.
- Alternative Hypothesis (H1): There is a difference in the mean exam scores between the two groups.
After performing the t-test, the p-value is found to be 0.03. Since the p-value is less than the significance level of 0.05, the null hypothesis is rejected. This indicates that there is a significant difference in the mean exam scores between students who attended the tutoring program and those who did not.
6.2. Case Study 2: Evaluating Employee Satisfaction
A company wants to evaluate the impact of a new employee wellness program on job satisfaction. They measure the job satisfaction scores of employees before and after the implementation of the program. The same employees are measured twice, making the groups related.
- Group 1: Job satisfaction scores before the program.
- Group 2: Job satisfaction scores after the program.
The data are numerical, and the research question is whether the means of the two related groups are different. Assuming the differences between the paired observations are normally distributed, a paired samples t-test would be appropriate.
- Null Hypothesis (H0): There is no difference in the mean job satisfaction scores before and after the program.
- Alternative Hypothesis (H1): There is a difference in the mean job satisfaction scores before and after the program.
After performing the paired samples t-test, the p-value is found to be 0.01. Since the p-value is less than the significance level of 0.05, the null hypothesis is rejected. This indicates that there is a significant difference in the mean job satisfaction scores before and after the implementation of the wellness program.
6.3. Case Study 3: Analyzing Customer Preferences
A marketing company wants to determine if there is an association between age group and product preference. They survey a sample of customers and categorize them into age groups (18-30, 31-45, 46+) and product preferences (Product A, Product B, Product C).
The data are categorical, and the research question is whether there is an association between age group and product preference. A chi-square test of independence would be appropriate.
- Null Hypothesis (H0): There is no association between age group and product preference.
- Alternative Hypothesis (H1): There is an association between age group and product preference.
After performing the chi-square test, the p-value is found to be 0.005. Since the p-value is less than the significance level of 0.05, the null hypothesis is rejected. This indicates that there is a significant association between age group and product preference.
7. Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Selecting and applying statistical tests correctly is crucial for drawing valid conclusions. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Ignoring Assumptions: Failing to check the assumptions of a statistical test can lead to incorrect results. Always verify that your data meet the required conditions before applying a test.
- Misinterpreting P-values: A p-value indicates the probability of observing the data if the null hypothesis is true. It does not indicate the probability that the null hypothesis is true or the size of the effect.
- Data Dredging: Conducting multiple tests without a clear hypothesis can lead to spurious results. Always have a well-defined research question before performing statistical tests.
- Confusing Correlation with Causation: Correlation tests indicate how closely two variables move together, but they do not establish causation. Be cautious about drawing causal conclusions from correlation analyses.
- Overgeneralizing Results: The results of a statistical test apply only to the population from which the sample was drawn. Avoid overgeneralizing results to other populations.
COMPARE.EDU.VN provides resources and guidelines to help you avoid these common pitfalls and conduct sound statistical analyses.
8. Resources and Tools at COMPARE.EDU.VN
At COMPARE.EDU.VN, we are committed to providing you with the resources and tools you need to confidently choose and apply statistical tests. Our website offers:
- Detailed Guides: Comprehensive guides on various statistical tests, including step-by-step instructions and examples.
- Statistical Calculators: Easy-to-use calculators for performing statistical tests, such as t-tests, ANOVA, and chi-square tests.
- Decision Trees: Interactive decision trees to help you select the appropriate statistical test based on your data and research question.
- Assumption Checklists: Checklists to help you verify that your data meet the assumptions of a statistical test.
- Case Studies: Real-world examples and case studies to illustrate the application of statistical tests.
- Expert Support: Access to statistical experts who can answer your questions and provide guidance.
9. Conclusion
Choosing the right statistical test to compare two groups is essential for drawing accurate and reliable conclusions from your data. By understanding the different types of tests, their assumptions, and their applications, you can confidently select the appropriate test for your research question. COMPARE.EDU.VN is here to support you every step of the way, providing the resources and tools you need to succeed.
Statistical analysis doesn’t have to be daunting. With the right knowledge and resources, you can confidently interpret your data and make informed decisions. Whether you are comparing means, analyzing associations, or examining relationships, COMPARE.EDU.VN is your trusted partner for statistical insights.
10. Ready to Make Informed Decisions?
Are you struggling to choose the right statistical test for your research? Do you need a clear, objective comparison of different statistical methods? Visit COMPARE.EDU.VN today to access our comprehensive guides, calculators, and expert support. Make your data analysis easier and more effective with COMPARE.EDU.VN.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a statistical test?
A statistical test is a method used in data analysis to determine the likelihood that a specific pattern, relationship, or difference observed in a dataset occurred by chance. It helps researchers draw conclusions about a population based on a sample of data.
2. How do I choose the right statistical test for comparing two groups?
To choose the right statistical test, consider the type of data (numerical or categorical), the research question, and whether the groups are independent or related. Also, check if your data meets the assumptions of the test, such as normality and homogeneity of variance.
3. What is a t-test, and when should I use it?
A t-test is used to determine if there is a significant difference between the means of two groups. Use an independent samples t-test for comparing two independent groups, a paired samples t-test for comparing two related groups, and a one-sample t-test for comparing the mean of a single group to a known value.
4. What is ANOVA, and when should I use it?
ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) is used to compare the means of three or more groups. Use one-way ANOVA when you have one independent variable with three or more levels and one dependent variable.
5. What are non-parametric tests, and when should I use them?
Non-parametric tests do not rely on assumptions about the distribution of the data. Use them when your data are not normally distributed or when the sample sizes are small. Common non-parametric tests include the Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and Kruskal-Wallis test.
6. What is a chi-square test, and when should I use it?
A chi-square test is used to determine if there is a significant association between two categorical variables. Use the chi-square test of independence to determine if two categorical variables are related.
7. What is a p-value, and how do I interpret it?
A p-value is the probability of obtaining results as extreme as, or more extreme than, the observed results, assuming the null hypothesis is true. If the p-value is less than the significance level (usually 0.05), you reject the null hypothesis.
8. What are the key assumptions of parametric tests?
The key assumptions of parametric tests include normality (the data follow a normal distribution), homogeneity of variance (the variance is equal across groups), and independence (observations are independent of each other).
9. What is the difference between correlation and causation?
Correlation indicates how closely two variables move together, while causation means that one variable directly causes a change in another variable. Correlation does not imply causation.
10. Where can I find more resources and tools for selecting statistical tests?
Visit compare.edu.vn for detailed guides, statistical calculators, decision trees, and expert support to help you choose and apply the right statistical tests for your research.