what are the differences between t-tests and chi squares?
2007-10-18 06:50:28 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
T-tests are used to compare two sets of results and answer the question: "Is there a significant difference between these two sets of results?"
A chi-squared test is compared against a model (e.g. a Punnett square/Hardy-Weinberg equations) that would produce expected results against experimental results. It answers the question "Is there a significant difference between my experiment and the model?
(Technically it deals with null hypotheses, but let's not get complicated.)
2007-10-18 06:56:35 · answer #1 · answered by yutgoyun 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
t-tests are used for analytical data, such as the yield of corn when soil is treated with 2 different fertilizers.
The chi-square is an "enumerative" tests, where the responses are discrete. For instance, if we believed the population was 56 percent democratic and we sample 100 people and found 48 democratic, would we believe that the sample is not representative of the population.
2007-10-18 06:58:17 · answer #2 · answered by cattbarf 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
T test : Compare two independent samples
Chi squares woudl be for nominal input
the following link should help you decide which test to use when
2007-10-18 06:56:58 · answer #3 · answered by David F 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The t-test assesses whether the means of two groups are statistically different from each other. This analysis is appropriate whenever you want to compare the means of two groups.
2007-10-18 07:08:42 · answer #4 · answered by ironduke8159 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋