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Unpaired t-test selection — FRCA Primary MCQ

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ModerateStatistics and Evidence-Based MedicineUnpaired t-test selectionFRCA Primary

A randomised trial compares postoperative morphine consumption between patients receiving block A and block B. Morphine consumption is normally distributed and measured once in each independent group. Which statistical test is most appropriate?

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Correct answer: A — Chi-squared test

An unpaired Student's t-test compares the means of a normally distributed continuous variable between two independent groups. Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests are for categorical data. Wilcoxon signed-rank is for paired non-parametric data, not independent groups. The pearl is to identify data type, distribution and pairing before selecting a test.

Reference: RCoA Primary FRCA Syllabus 2026; Altman Practical Statistics for Medical Research