What type of test is the Dunnett test considered to be?

The Dunnett test is classified as a post hoc test, which is used in the context of statistical analysis, particularly following an analysis of variance (ANOVA). When researchers perform ANOVA and conclude that there are significant differences among group means, they often need to determine which specific groups differ from each other. The Dunnett test specifically allows for comparisons between a control group and multiple treatment groups while controlling the overall Type I error rate. This makes it particularly useful when comparing groups after an ANOVA has indicated significant results.

In terms of other types of tests, exploratory tests are typically designed to identify patterns or relationships in the data without prior hypotheses about group differences. Descriptive tests focus on summarizing and describing the characteristics of data rather than making comparisons between group means. Parametric tests, while relevant to the broader category of statistical testing and often including the Dunnett test when assumptions are met, do not specifically define the function of the Dunnett test in its role as a post hoc procedure following an ANOVA.