Question

An analyst finds that the t-score for a statistical comparison of the average number of citations issued between two groups of officers issued is 3.45 with a statistical significance of .05. The analyst should conclude:

A. That there is no difference in the average number of citations issued between the two groups of officers

B. That there is a difference in the average number of citations issued between the two groups of officers.

C. Nothing, this is not an appropriate statistical test for data measured at this level of measurement.

D. Nothing, these data are inconclusive.

Can you please explain the answer?

Answer 1

We are provided only with the t score for the statistical comparison of the average number of citations issued between two groups of officers issued, which is 3.45 with a statistical significance of .05

We need to compare either the t statistics with t critical value or the p value with the significance level

For p value as well as for t critical values, we need to know the sample size so that we can determine the degree of freedom.

In this case, sample size is unknown, i.e. the data are inconclusive.

Option D is correct because we can't make conclusion based only on the t statistics value without comparing it with t critical value or the p value with significance level