Statistics for the Clinician II: The T-test, Its Versions, and Its Alternatives
Abstract
The t-test is a mainstay statistical test that allows researchers to use the observed averages (arithmetic means) of data samples to draw evidence-supported conclusions about the corresponding averages in the populations they represent. This article serves as an introduction to this common and useful technique for clinicians with a limited statistical background, who seek to deepen their understanding of the t-test, its reasoning, and its implications in clinical research. We describe the three basic forms of the t-test, its applications and alternatives, and some related concepts while avoiding technical concepts and jargon as much as possible.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Meta-analysis and systematic reviews
Statistical Methods in Clinical Trials
Statistical Methods and Bayesian Inference
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Seminars in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia
- Publisher
- SAGE Publications
- Volume
- 30
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 199–206
- Publication date
- 20 April 2026
- Language
- EN