Choosing the appropriate statistical test depends on several factors, including the type of data, the research question, and the study design. Here are some guidelines:
Data Type: Determine whether the data is categorical, ordinal, interval, or ratio. This will influence the choice of tests such as Chi-square for categorical data or t-tests for continuous data. Sample Size: Some tests require larger sample sizes to produce reliable results. For example, ANOVA is more powerful with larger samples. Assumptions: Each statistical test has underlying assumptions (e.g., normality, homogeneity of variance). Ensure that your data meets these assumptions before applying the test.