If a researcher were studying the effects of a teaching method on patient learning outcomes, how would the research question need to be worded to use a t-test to test for statistical differences?

Answer 1

Ho: There is no difference in outcomes between patients who have taught "X" method and those who have not.

H1: There is a difference.

However, you need to define the specific problem(s) that the patients have, what your teaching method is, and what criterion you are using as a measure of change.

The comparison of the amount of change in your criterion from pretest to post-test (after the teaching or no teaching) would be used for your t-test. Since I assume you are looking only for more positive change with patients who were taught, you would be dealing with a one-tailed test.

I hope this helps. Thanks for asking.