Often, researchers are interested in testing differences in mean scores between groups or in comparing how two groups’ scores are distributed across possible response categories. A variety of bivariate statistical tests can be used in these situations.

Identify what tests of difference are appropriate in the following situations. Justify your responses.

Average campaign contributions (in dollars) to a marketing campaign for healthy living for men is to be compared to contributions to such a campaign for women.

Average contributions (in dollars) to campaigns for healthy living for people who are 20-30 years old, 30-40 years old, and 40-60 years old are to be compared to each other.

Human resource managers and chief executive officers have responded “yes,” “no,” or “not sure” to an attitude question. The HR and CEO responses are to be compared.

One-half of a sample received an incentive in a mail survey while the other half did not. A comparison of response rates is desired.

A researcher believes that married men will push the grocery cart when grocery shopping with their wives. How would the hypothesis be tested?

A manager wishes to compare the job performance of a salesperson before ethics training with the performance of that same salesperson after ethics training.