If a researcher were studying the effects of a teaching method on patient learning outcomes, how does the research question need to be worded to use a t-test to test for statistical differences? What type of data needs to be collected and why?
To use a t-test to test for statistical differences between two groups, the research question needs to be worded in a way that involves comparing two groups or conditions. The question should specifically focus on the effects of the teaching method on patient learning outcomes.
For example, a suitable research question could be: "Is there a significant difference in patient learning outcomes between the group taught using Method A and the group taught using Method B?"
In terms of data collection, the researcher would need to collect quantitative data to apply a t-test. In this case, patient learning outcomes should be measured and recorded for each individual in both the group taught using Method A and the group taught using Method B.
The reason for collecting quantitative data is that t-tests are designed to compare means or average scores between groups. By collecting numerical data on patient learning outcomes, the researcher can calculate the mean scores for each group and determine if there is a statistically significant difference between them.
It's also worth noting that additional variables, such as demographic information or prior knowledge, could be collected as control variables to account for their potential influence. However, the main focus of the t-test would be on comparing the teaching methods and their impact on patient learning outcomes.