The t-test is a mainstay statistical test that allows researchers to use the observed averages (arithmetic means) of data samples to draw evidence-supported conclusions about the corresponding averages in the populations they represent. This article serves as an introduction to this common and useful technique for clinicians with a limited statistical background, who seek to deepen their understanding of the t-test, its reasoning, and its implications in clinical research. We describe the three basic forms of the t-test, its applications and alternatives, and some related concepts while avoiding technical concepts and jargon as much as possible.
Thiyagarajan et al. (Mon,) studied this question.