How to Report t-Test Results in APA Format

APA Reporting Template

Use this template to report your t-test results. Replace the bracketed placeholders with your values.

Independent Samples t-Test

An independent samples t-test was conducted to compare [dependent variable] between [group 1] and [group 2]. There was a significant difference in scores for [group 1] (M = [mean], SD = [SD]) and [group 2] (M = [mean], SD = [SD]); t([df]) = [t-value], p = [p-value], d = [Cohen's d].

Paired Samples t-Test

A paired samples t-test indicated that [dependent variable] was significantly higher at [time 2/condition 2] (M = [mean], SD = [SD]) than at [time 1/condition 1] (M = [mean], SD = [SD]), t([df]) = [t-value], p = [p-value], d = [Cohen's d].

Worked Example

Scenario: You compared exam scores between students who used a study app ($n = 45$) and students who studied traditionally ($n = 42$).

Results:

• Study app group: $M = 82.4, SD = 9.3$
• Traditional group: $M = 76.1, SD = 11.2$
• $t(85) = 2.89, p = .005, d = 0.61$

APA Write-Up:

An independent samples t-test was conducted to compare exam scores between students who used the study app and those who used traditional study methods. Students who used the study app (M = 82.4, SD = 9.3) scored significantly higher than students who studied traditionally (M = 76.1, SD = 11.2), t(85) = 2.89, p = .005, d = 0.61, indicating a medium effect.

Reporting Checklist

• [ ] Stated the type of t-test (independent or paired)
• [ ] Reported both group means and standard deviations
• [ ] Included degrees of freedom in parentheses after t
• [ ] Reported the exact p-value (not just "p < .05")
• [ ] Included an effect size measure (Cohen's d or Hedges' g)
• [ ] Interpreted the direction of the difference
• [ ] Used italics for statistical symbols (M, SD, t, p, d)
• [ ] Reported to two decimal places (except p-values, which use three)

Common Mistakes

1. Writing "p = .000" — SPSS sometimes displays this. Write p < .001 instead.
2. Omitting effect size — APA 7th edition requires it. Always include Cohen's d or Hedges' g.
3. Not reporting exact p-values — Write p = .014, not p < .05.
4. Forgetting to check assumptions — Mention if you checked for normality and equal variances (Levene's test). If Levene's test was significant, report the Welch correction.
5. Incorrect italicization — t, p, M, SD, and d should all be italicized.

Non-Significant Results

If your result is not significant, still report all the same information:

An independent samples t-test indicated no significant difference in exam scores between the study app group (M = 78.2, SD = 10.1) and the traditional group (M = 76.8, SD = 9.7), t(85) = 0.67, p = .504, d = 0.14.

Results Table Format

For multiple t-tests, use a table: