This is simply a labeling issue, but when teaching my biostatistics course I have to constantly deal with it. In experimental design, there is a difference between matched data and paired data. Matched data will be two different populations in which an attempt has been made to reduce the variables by matching for certain characteristics that might impact the response being studied but which aren't the focus of the study. For example, age, gender, smoking status, etc. Paired data is two populations of numbers in which the same variable has been measured on the same population usually at two different times, or under two different conditions. For example, before and after treatment with a given drug. Matched data is properly analyzed with a standard t test, whereas paired data with a paired t test. Now the problem is, the paired t test is found under Analyze > Specialized Modeling > MATCHED Pairs. This nomenclature can be confusing to students particularly when they are already having problems understanding the material (and don't particularly want to be in the class anyway, but it is required). Could this be changed to PAIRED DATA, or something other than MATCHED PAIRS? Thanks.
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