Academic Success Center

T-Test Practice

Using the t_testpractice.sav file located on the ASC website, complete the following practice problems
related to the various t-test and associated concepts covered on our website: One Sample, Dependent
(Paired) Samples, and Independent Samples.

Concepts tested in this assignment:

 Differentiating between different t-tests

 Using SPSS to run different types of t-tests
 Interpreting SPSS output as it relates to the hypothesis test scenario
 Justifying conclusions on hypothesis tests

Use the “Answer Key” file on the ASC website to check your work. Use ASC Chat or other coaching
services if you have questions about these concepts.

Problems:

1. Twenty students were recruited to take part in a study about how expressive writing affects physical
health. 10 students were randomly assigned to write about thoughts and feelings associated with the
most traumatic events in their lives (treatment). The other 10 students wrote about their plans for the
day (control). After one month, all students rated their overall level of physical health on a scale from 0
(very poor health) to 100 (perfect health).

a. State the null and alternative hypotheses.

b. What t-test is most appropriate to test the claim?

c. Conduct the appropriate statistical test and paste the relevant SPSS output here.

d. What is the decision about the null hypothesis? Justify your answer.

e. State your conclusion following APA guidelines for presenting results

2. You want to study how a devastating flood impacts the hope of citizens in a small rural community.
20 citizens are randomly selected to rate how hopeful they felt on a 7-point scale, where 4 is a neutral
response. You want to determine if the hopefulness ratings are above or below the neutral position.

a. State the null and alternative hypotheses.

b. What t-test is most appropriate to test the claim?

 Academic Success Center

c. Conduct the appropriate statistical test and paste the relevant SPSS output here.

d. What is the decision about the null hypothesis? Justify your answer.

e. State your conclusion following APA guidelines for presenting results

3. A researcher wanted to determine if the communication quality of couples changes after receiving
premarital counseling. Communication quality was assessed three months before and again three
months after the marriage.

a. State the null and alternative hypotheses.

b. What t-test is most appropriate to test the claim?

c. Conduct the appropriate statistical test and paste the relevant SPSS output here.

d. What is the decision about the null hypothesis? Justify your answer.

e. State your conclusion following APA guidelines for presenting results