CHOOSING A STATISTICAL TEST

Comparison Association Regression

2 data sets >2 data sets (Relation (Predicting
Paired Unpaired Paired Unpaired between 2 one from
variables another
Normal Paired t-test Unpaired Repeated One way Pearson Linear
Distribution t-test measure ANOVA Correlation Regression
(Mean) ANOVA
Non-Normal Wilcoxon
Wilcoxon Friedman Kruskal Spearman Non-
Distribution Signed Rank Sum Test Wallis Rank Parametric
(Median) Ranks Test Mann Correlation Regression
Whitney “U”
Test
Dichotomous Mc Newman Chi-Square Covariance Chi-square Contingency Logistic
data Test test Fisher Q test coefficient Regression
Extract test

1. Type of Variable
Numerical – continuous (with decimal point, means)
- discrete (whole number, median)

Categorical (proportion)

2. Type of Analysis
Comparison of means
-mean (normal distribution)
-median (non-normal distribution)
-proportion (dichotomous/binomial)

Relation between 2 variables

(Correlation)

Predicting one variable from another

(Regression)

3. Number of Groups and Data Sets

One – 2 data sets
- 5 data sets

Two – 2 data sets

More groups >2 groups

>2 data sets

4. Study Design
Unpaired/Independent (2 or >2 groups unmatched)
 Paired/Matched (1 group, before and after)
5. Distribution of data
Normal (ex. Body weight, blood pressure)
Non-normal (ex. Ranks, score)
Dichotomous (ex. Binomial)

Aim: To evaluate the antidiabetic effect

Parameter to be analysed:
No. of groups/data sets:
Study design:
Types of distribution:
Type of analysis:
Reduction of blood glucose
2 groups, 2 data sets
Unpaired
Normal
Comparison of Mean