Overview
For this week's discussion post, read about how the Student’s T-test was developed by William Sealy Gossett and post some ideas (not more than 150 words) about other ways (besides comparing batches of Guinness beer) that a T-test may be useful and very applicable in social science. As you discuss T-tests, note the several different kinds of t-tests (e.g. independent samples, paired-samples, etc.) and in what research context (experiments, medical trials, etc.) they may be more appropriate. You can also do this by coming up with a set of DV and IV that you would use for each type.
For this week's discussion post, think of two variables you wish to compare using the t-test. Recall that a t-test is a comparison of means test for dichotomous IVs and interval/ratio DVs. Write a post (not to exceed 150 words) in which you discuss your IV and DV, theory for why your IV and DV may be related, and what you expect from a t-test. For instance, why do you expect there to be differences in means between your sub-groups? Which sub-group mean do you expect to be higher/lower and why?
Run the analysis in SPSS, and conclude your post by briefly discussing and interpreting the results of your test (remember to use the language of "rejecting" or "failing to reject" the null hypothesis).