For which of the following situations is the independent groups t-test appropriate (if inappropriate, why?):

a. The independent variable is infant birth weight at one week (normal vs high); the dependent variable is resting heart rate. Appropriate

b. The independent variable is radiation treatment on throat cancer patients (after a low dose and then a high dose treatment); the dependent variable is white blood cell count. Inappropriate -  

c. The IV is infant birth weight (low vs normal vs high); the DV is number of days absent from school in first grade. Appropriate

d. The IV is gender (male vs female); the DV is compliance vs noncompliance with a medication regimen. Inappropriate

e. The independent variable is married status (single vs married); the dependent variable is happiness measured on a scale from 1 to 50. Appropriate

Can you explain the difference between appropriate vs inappropriate?