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8.2: Independent Samples

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    287747
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    • 8.2.1: Difference of Means
      Last chapter, we learned about mean differences, that is, the average value of difference scores. Those difference scores came from ONE group and TWO time points (or two perspectives). Now, we will deal with the difference of the means, that is, the average values of separate groups that are represented by separate descriptive statistics. This analysis involves TWO groups and ONE time point. As with all of our other tests as well, both of these analyses are concerned with a single variable.
    • 8.2.2: Research Questions about Independent Means
      This page covers group mean differences in behavioral research, stressing the need for exclusivity of groups and measurement of the same variable for comparisons.
    • 8.2.3: Hypotheses and Decision Criteria
      This page explains the independent samples t-test process, focusing on null and alternative hypotheses.
    • 8.2.4: Independent Samples t-statistic
      This page explains the independent samples t-test, detailing its test statistic structure and formula, which is based on the null hypothesis of no difference between two population means.
    • 8.2.5: Standard Error and Pooled Variance
      This page explains the standard error in relation to the independent samples t-test, highlighting the calculation of pooled variance from two samples.
    • 8.2.6: Movies and Mood
      An example.
    • 8.2.7: Effect Sizes and Confidence Intervals
      This page emphasizes the need to interpret statistically significant effects in independent samples t-tests in conjunction with effect sizes and confidence intervals.
    • 8.2.8: Homogeneity of Variance
      This page explains the homogeneity of variance assumption crucial for independent samples t-tests, which ensures equal population variances for the groups compared.


    This page titled 8.2: Independent Samples is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Foster et al. (University of Missouri’s Affordable and Open Access Educational Resources Initiative) via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.

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