BOF: 2.59
3 groups of volunteers with
similar levels of raised blood cholesterol, were followed over the course of
24 months to compare the effects of different lipid lowering agents. Choose
the most appropriate statistical analysis to determine any quantitative
serological differences as a result of the different treatments.
a) Regression
analysis
b) F test
(ANOVA)
c) Correlation
analysis
d) Chi-square
test
e) t test
Answer:
b)
The F test (ANOVA) is used to
compare the means of 3 or more samples to determine statistical significance
of an observed finding. The student’s t test compares the means of 2 samples.
The information in this stem is limited with no indication of the number of
volunteers or whether they are age and sex matched. This rules out the use of
the other tests.
Author:
Dr. Sumantra Ray R.Nutr.
MBBS (Hons), DNHE, MICR
(UK), MRIPH (UK)
Clinical Research & Teaching Fellow
The Institute of Cardiovascular Research
University of Dundee Division of Medicine & Therapeutics
/ NHS Tayside
Honorary Invited Lecturer
Clinical Research Centre & Centre for Public Health
Nutrition Research
University of Dundee College of Medicine, Dentistry &
Nursing / NHS Tayside
Ninewells Hospital & Medical School
Dundee DD1 9SY
