Differences between independent samples and paired samples t-tests

Independent Samples and Paired Samples T-Test:

The Paired Samples T-test, which is commonly known as the correlated-samples T-test or matched-samples T-Test has some similarities with the Independent Samples because they are both used to compare two samples of observations. These procedures are also used to determine whether the mean of one sample is significantly different from the mean of another sample. Notably, the Paired Samples T-test is also known as the dependent samples T-test since its used to identify important mean differences between two groups on a certain measure such as GPA, ACT scores, SAT scores, height, or weight. Through the use of this procedure, the specific groups of interest are seemingly related as siblings or pre-treatment environment or post-treatment setting. Generally, the two groups being compared must be somehow related in order to be suitable for the procedures of Paired Samples T-test.

Despite of the previously stated similarities between the Paired Samples T-test and the Independent Samples T-test, there are some certain differences between the two procedures. First, while both procedures are used to identify the significant variations between two groups, the Independent Samples T-test is based on the assumption that the groups being compared are not related to each other. On the contrary, the Paired Samples T-test is mainly based on the belief that the examined groups are related to each other. Consequently, the Independent Samples T-test is known as between subjects design because the participants in the first group have no relation with those in the second group. In contrast, the Paired Samples T-test is referred to as repeated measures design since the participants in the first group are similar to those in the second one. In experimental studies, the Independent Samples T-test is usually achieved through gathering samples of participants and randomly allocating each to a control or treatment condition (O'Rourke, Hatcher & Stepanksi, 2005).

Based on the previously explained similarities and differences between the Paired Samples T-test and the Independent Samples T-test, there is a clear distinction on the efficiency of these procedures for research. The Paired Samples T-test is suitable to use when there groups being compared are similar or have certain similarities between them. On the contrary, the Independent Samples T-test is used when there is no similarity between the groups being compared.