Problems with the paired t formula in some introductory statistics books
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 7, 2026

08:12
A Psychophysics Paradigm for the Collection and Analysis of Similarity Judgments
Published on: March 1, 2022
1Long Beach VA Healthcare Systems, USA.
Psychological Reports
|May 16, 2001
Abstract:
Six different formulas for the paired t were found in introductory statistics books. Five are correct. An example shows how using the incorrect formula can result in the wrong research conclusion.
Related Concept Videos
Comparing Experimental Results: Student's t-Test
The t-test is a statistical method used to compare the sample mean with a population mean or compare two means from two data sets. The test statistic is calculated from the standard deviation, mean, and number of measurements in the data set at a selected confidence interval and then compared to a table of critical values at this confidence level. If the test statistic is smaller than the critical value, the null hypothesis is accepted. In this case, we state that the difference between the...
Estimating Population Mean with Unknown Standard Deviation
In practice, we rarely know the population standard deviation. In the past, when the sample size was large, this did not present a problem to statisticians. They used the sample standard deviation s as an estimate for σ and proceeded as before to calculate a confidence interval with close enough results. However, statisticians ran into problems when the sample size was small. A small sample size caused inaccuracies in the confidence interval.
William S. Gosset (1876–1937) of the Guinness...
William S. Gosset (1876–1937) of the Guinness...
Microsoft Excel: Student's t-Test
Student's t-test in Microsoft Excel is a statistical method used to compare the means of two groups to determine if they are significantly different from each other. It's commonly used to evaluate hypotheses, such as testing whether a treatment has an effect compared to a control group. Excel provides built-in functions to perform t-tests, making it accessible for users needing to conduct basic statistical analysis.
To conduct a t-test in Excel, use the T.TEST function or the "Data Analysis...
To conduct a t-test in Excel, use the T.TEST function or the "Data Analysis...
Statistical Methods to Analyze Parametric Data: Student t-Test and Goodness-of-Fit Test
In parametric statistics, two fundamental tests stand out for their utility and wide application: the Student's t-test and goodness-of-fit tests. These tests provide researchers with a robust method for drawing insights from data, testing hypotheses, and making informed decisions based on their findings.
The Student's t-test is a statistical test that examines if there is a statistically significant difference between the means of two groups. This test is instrumental when dealing with data...
The Student's t-test is a statistical test that examines if there is a statistically significant difference between the means of two groups. This test is instrumental when dealing with data...
Student t Distribution
The population standard deviation is rarely known in many day-to-day examples of statistics. When the sample sizes are large, it is easy to estimate the population standard deviation using a confidence interval, which provides results close enough to the original value. However, statisticians ran into problems when the sample size was small. A small sample size caused inaccuracies in the confidence interval.
The Student t distribution was developed by William S. Goset (1876–1937) of the...
The Student t distribution was developed by William S. Goset (1876–1937) of the...
Bonferroni Test
The Bonferroni test is a statistical test named after Carlo Emilio Bonferroni, an Italian mathematician best known for Bonferroni inequalities. This statistical test is a type of multiple comparison test to determine which means are different than the rest. Bonferroni test can minimize the Type 1 error by reducing the significance level alpha, which otherwise increases with sample pairs.
The means of different samples are first paired in all possible combinations.
The null hypothesis of the...
The means of different samples are first paired in all possible combinations.
The null hypothesis of the...
