P5.5—Statistical tests and data types in practical contexts

Statistical choice depends on whether data are categoric, ordinal or continuous, on distribution and on the comparison or relationship being tested.

State the null hypothesis, justify the test and interpret probability alongside biological context.

Use chi-squared for observed versus expected categories, a t-test for two means under suitable assumptions, and correlation tests for relationships.

A familiar test is not automatically valid; independence, sample size and distribution matter.