The t-distribution is a type of probability distribution that is used in statistics, particularly when dealing with small sample sizes. It resembles the normal distribution but has heavier tails, which means it accounts for more variability in the data. This makes it useful for estimating population parameters when the sample size is limited and the population standard deviation is unknown. Researchers often use the t-distribution in hypothesis testing and constructing confidence intervals. As the sample size increases, the t-distribution approaches the normal distribution, making it a versatile tool for statistical analysis in various fields, including psychology, medicine, and social sciences.