The relationship between serum cholesterol and coronary-heart-disease mortality
ID: 3341026 • Letter: T
Question
The relationship between serum cholesterol and coronary-heart-disease mortality has been a subject of much debate. A study was conducted in 3,615 men who were in the top 10% of serum cholesterol levels. Over the next 10 years, 194 died. In the same country, the incidence rate of coronary-heart-disease mortality over 10 years among men in the same age group was 4%. What is the name of the most appropriate statistical test to determine whether there is a significant difference in the incidence of coronary-heart-disease mortality among men in the top 10% of serum cholesterol levels versus the general population? You do not need to perform the test, just state which is the most appropriate test and why. Also state whether a one-sided or two-sided test is more appropriate and why.
Explanation / Answer
What is the name of the most appropriate statistical test to determine whether there is a significant difference in the incidence of coronary-heart-disease mortality among men in the top 10% of serum cholesterol levels versus the general population?
Answer: Z test for difference in proportions
Also state whether a one-sided or two-sided test is more appropriate and why.
Answer: two tailed test because we want to determine whether there is a significant difference in the incidence of coronary-heart-disease mortality among men in the top 10% of serum cholesterol levels versus the general population