1-R Springer
The null hypothesis, which acts as the default or underlying assumption, is the claim that there is no effect or difference. Usually, the researcher wants to test against it.
An alternative hypothesis is a claim that suggests there is a difference or an effect. That’s what the researcher hopes to demonstrate.
Selecting the Significance Level: The threshold for rejecting the null hypothesis is the significance level, which is commonly represented by alpha. The standard selections are 0.05, 0.01, and 0.10. It shows the likelihood of rejecting the null hypothesis in the event that it is true (Type I error).
Compute the Test Statistic: A test statistic is computed using the sample data.
The kind of test statistic (such as a z-score or t-score) that is used depends on the hypothesis and the type of data. The distance between the sample statistic and the null hypothesis can be determined with the help of this statistic.
Making the Decision – Use the p-value strategy or compare the test statistic to the critical value(s) from the relevant statistical distribution (depending on the selected significance level).
Reject H0 In the event that the p-value is smaller than α or the test statistic is within the critical range.
Fail to Reject H0-In the event that the p-value exceeds α or the test statistic does not fall inside the critical zone.
Developing hypotheses is the process’s most crucial step. The entire testing process is set up at this step.The test’s findings will be meaningless if the hypotheses are not properly formulated. Properly defining the null and alternative hypotheses ensures that the test is addressing the right question and that the results will be interpretable in the context of the research objectives.
Real-Life Example of Hypothesis Testing
Consider yourself the manager of quality control at a plant that makes lightbulbs. The light bulbs your manufacturer produces have an average lifespan of 1000 hours.
Null Hypothesis: A light bulb lasts for 1000 hours on average.
An alternate theory: A lightbulb does not have an average lifespan of 1000 hours.
You measure the lifespan of a random sample of light bulbs.
Next, you run a hypothesis test to see if there is sufficient data in the sample to rule out the null hypothesis.
The simplest part of hypothesis formulation is usually formulating the problem in terms of null and alternative hypotheses, which makes it a basic process. I have no trouble comprehending the idea of comparing two statements.
I have trouble grasping significance levels and evaluating p-values. It can be confusing to think of a p-value as the likelihood of witnessing the data in the event that the null hypothesis is true.
2-A Then
1. Hypothesis Testing Steps
1. State the Hypotheses: Formulate the null (H₀) and alternative (H₁) hypotheses.
2. Set the Criteria for a Decision: Choose a significance level (α), typically 0.05.
3. Collect Data and Compute the Test Statistic: Gather data and calculate the relevant test statistic.
4. Make a Decision: Compare the test statistic to critical values and decide to reject or not reject H₀.
Most Important Step: Collect data and compute the test statistic, as the accuracy of the data is crucial for valid results.
2. Real Life Example
Testing a new drug’s effectiveness:
• H₀: The new drug is no more effective than the existing one.
• H₁: The new drug is more effective.
• Conduct a study, measure results, calculate the test statistic, and make a decision based on the p-value.
3. Easiest and Hardest Concepts
Easiest: Differentiating between null and alternative hypotheses.
Hardest: Understanding p-values and type I and type II errors due to their abstract nature.
4. Course Progress and Recommendations
Progress: The course is engaging and manageable, though some concepts need more time.
Recommendations for Classmates: Stay consistent and practice problem-solving.
