Hypothesis testing: Means

Abstract

In summary, we have described some of the standard methods for testing hypotheses about the means of observed measurements. These methods are appropriate for measures made on ratio or interval scales and include t tests to compare 1 sample to a reference group and to compare 2 paired or 2 independent samples. These methods tend to yield better power than nonparametric alternatives yet are typically robust to the distribution of the measurement being tested, especially when sample sizes are large. Methods for comparing means of >2 groups will be covered later in the series, as will methods for comparing means while adjusting for other factors. © 2006 American Heart Association, Inc.