Post hoc tests are typically used in the following scenarios:
1. Initial Significant Results: If an initial overall test (like ANOVA) indicates a significant effect, post hoc tests can determine which specific groups differ. 2. Exploratory Studies: In exploratory research where multiple hypotheses are tested, post hoc tests can help in identifying true associations. 3. Complex Data: When data is complex with many variables, post hoc tests can simplify the interpretation by breaking down the results into more manageable comparisons.