Paired sample analysis is a statistical method used to compare two related samples, such as measurements taken from the same group before and after a treatment, to determine if there is a significant difference between them. It accounts for the fact that the samples are not independent, thereby reducing variability and increasing the power of the statistical test.
The assumption of normality is a fundamental prerequisite in many statistical analyses, particularly parametric tests, which presumes that the data follows a normal distribution. Violations of this assumption can lead to inaccurate results, making it crucial to verify normality through tests or visual assessments before proceeding with analysis.
Matched pairs is a statistical technique used in experimental design to control for confounding variables by pairing participants with similar characteristics and randomly assigning them to different treatment groups. This method enhances the validity of causal inferences by ensuring that differences in outcomes are more likely due to the treatment rather than pre-existing differences between participants.
Rank-based tests are non-parametric statistical methods used to analyze ordinal data or non-normal distributions by ranking data points and testing hypotheses based on these ranks. They are robust against outliers and do not assume a specific distribution, making them versatile for various applications in statistical analysis.