Check how the observations were collected
Scores from the same students before and after a workshop are paired because each score has a natural match. Scores from two separate groups of students, with no matching between groups, are an independent-samples setup.
Explain your choice before using software
Write one sentence identifying who was measured and whether observations are linked. In a paired t-test, the analysis uses the differences within pairs. Check the assumptions and instructions for your course before choosing the exact procedure.
Try it yourself
A class records the same 12 students’ quiz scores before and after a study session. Are the two sets paired or independent?
Show the answer
Paired. Each student has a before score and a corresponding after score, so the observations are linked by student.