Method table for 2-Sample Equivalence Test

Find definitions and interpretation guidance for the values that are provided in the Method table with the 2-sample equivalence test.

In This Topic

Test mean
Reference mean
Equal variances

Test mean

The equation for the test mean identifies the column of data or the group identifier for the test sample.

The test sample is often from a new or unproven product or process. For example, the test sample in a pharmaceutical study might be a new generic drug that you hope to prove is as effective as the leading brand name (reference) drug.

Reference mean

The equation for the reference mean identifies the column of data or the group identifier for the reference sample.

The reference sample is often from a proven product or process. For example, the reference sample in a pharmaceutical study might be a drug that has already been shown to have the desired effect.

Note

If you define your equivalence limits as a product of the reference mean by using the Multiply by reference mean option, the Method table also includes the calculations used to determine the lower and upper equivalence limits for the test.

Equal variances

Minitab indicates whether the analysis is performed assuming that the variance of the test population and the variance of the reference population are equal. You can choose to assume equal variances when you perform the test.

For more information, go to Select the analysis options for 2-Sample Equivalence Test.