A t-test is only able to compare two means at a time. A t-test is used to determine if there is a statist

A t-test is only able to compare two means at a time. A t-test is used to determine if there is a statistical significance between the means of two groups. This is one of the many tests used for hypothesis testing.  

An ANOVA or Analysis of Variance, can compare many means at a time and has no set restrictions. This test will inform of a statistical difference between three or more independent groups. An ANOVA is used when there are independent variables or groups and a dependent variable that is continuous.

Scenario

The scenario used for this discussion are speech-language pathologist (SLP) various communication techniques used to increase the participation of families in the IEP meetings for students with communication related disabilities. The communication techniques used are phone calls, emails, notes home, dojo messages, and certified mail. The level of family participation may be directly related to the level of communication from the SLP.

The dependent variable or response variable family participation in IEP meetings.

The independent variables to be measured or the factors to be considered are SLPs the communication techniques used are phone calls, emails, notes home, dojo messages, and certified mail.

Conducting an ANOVA would be best suited for this scenario because there are more than three or more groups to compare. This scenario would be considered a 5-way ANOVA as there are five factors and one response variable.

Huck, S. W. (2012). Reading statistics and research (6th ed.). Boston: Pearson Education Inc. Companion Website -http://www.readingstats.com/Sixth/index.htm