Between groups analyses are appropriate when a researcher is interested in examining ______.

The focus of between-groups analyses is to investigate differences in outcomes or measurements across distinct groups. This type of analysis is particularly useful when researchers want to compare mean scores or other statistical measures among groups defined by different characteristics or interventions. For instance, if a researcher is studying the effects of different teaching methods on student performance, they would compare the performance outcomes of students taught under each method.

In essence, the purpose of these analyses is to determine whether the mean scores of different groups are statistically significantly different from one another. Therefore, the correct answer accurately captures the primary intention behind conducting between-groups analyses, highlighting the examination of differences across various categories or conditions.