Which of the following statistical tests is used to determine the relationship between two continuous variabl… - AIIMS M.Sc. Nsg Entrance exam-2026

AIIMS M.Sc. Nsg Entrance exam-2026

Nursing Research & Statistics

Easy

Appeared in: AIIMS M.Sc. Nsg Entrance exam-2026

Explanation

The Pearson correlation coefficient is specifically designed to quantify the relationship between two variables that are continuous (quantitative) in nature.
It measures the strength and direction of the linear association between the two variables.
The output, 'r', is a value between -1 and +1, where -1 is a perfect negative correlation, +1 is a perfect positive correlation, and 0 indicates no linear correlation.
An example in a clinical context is examining the relationship between a patient's weight (continuous) and their cholesterol level (continuous).

Option A: The Chi-square test is used to analyze the association between two categorical variables, not continuous ones.
Option C: A paired t-test is used to compare the means of a single group at two different times or under two different conditions (i.e., related groups). It does not measure the relationship between two different continuous variables.
Option D: ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) is used to compare the means of three or more independent groups on a single continuous variable.

Visual 1: Scatter Plot Diagrams - A set of three scatter plots showing a positive correlation (dots trending upwards), a negative correlation (dots trending downwards), and no correlation (dots scattered randomly). This visually explains the concepts measured by the Pearson coefficient.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Appropriate statistical test for relationship between two continuous variables as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
In nursing research, understanding which statistical test to use is crucial for interpreting evidence-based practice. Nurses may read studies that use correlation to link lifestyle factors (like hours of exercise, a continuous variable) with health outcomes (like BMI, another continuous variable).
Correctly identifying the relationship between variables helps in developing patient education and care plans. For example, if a strong positive correlation is found between salt intake and blood pressure, nurses can confidently educate patients on reducing salt.
What if? If the question asked to compare the average satisfaction scores (on a scale of 1-10) among patients from three different hospital wards, the correct test would be ANOVA, as it compares the means of three independent groups on a continuous variable.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'relationship' and 'two continuous variables'. This is the core requirement.
Next, evaluate each option based on the types of variables it analyzes.
Recall or deduce that the Chi-square test is for categorical data (e.g., gender, yes/no answers). This does not match 'continuous variables', so eliminate it.
Recall that t-tests and ANOVA are used to compare means between groups. A paired t-test compares two related means, and ANOVA compares three or more means. While they use continuous data, their primary purpose is comparing group averages, not measuring the strength of a relationship between two continuous variables. Eliminate both.
Recognize that the Pearson correlation coefficient is the classic statistical method specifically designed to measure the linear relationship between two continuous variables. This directly matches the question's requirements.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Appropriate statistical test for relationship between two continuous variables
Stem keywords: statistical tests, relationship, two continuous variables
Lead-in keywords: Which
Negative lead-in flag: false

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