Assumptions underlying the independent-measures t test According to the theory of stereotype threat, situational pressures can lead to decreased performance on tests of cognitive abilities. Joshua Aronson tested how Caucasian engineering students performed on a math test when placed under a form of situational pressure by randomly assigning 100 of these students to either the control or experimental groups. The control group was told that they were taking a test of general math ability. Members of the experimental group were presented with several news articles discussing the increasing difference in math scores between Asian and Caucasian students and were told that the purpose of the test was to explore these differences. Would it be valid for Dr. Aronson to use the independent-measures t test to test whether drawing attention to stereotypes about racial groups and math ability affects math scores