A t-test is a statistical method used to determine if there is a significant difference between the means of two groups. It helps researchers understand whether any observed differences are likely due to chance or if they reflect a true effect. The test is commonly applied in various fields, including psychology, medicine, and social sciences. There are different types of t-tests, such as the independent samples t-test, which compares two separate groups, and the paired samples t-test, which compares two related groups. By calculating a t-value and comparing it to a critical value from the t-distribution, researchers can assess the significance of their findings.