Statistics - PSY 200 - Hypothesis Testing and the z Test

---

Define the normal curve.

Describe the steps in testing a statistical hypothesis.

Define the null hypothesis (H₀) and explain why statistical tests test the null hypothesis.

Explain the relationship between the research or experimental hypothesis, H₀, and the alternative hypothesis, (H₁).

Define what is meant by level of significance (alpha), the critical value of a test statistic, and the rejection region.

Recognize correct and incorrect interpretations of rejection and retention of H₀.

Explain the relationship between rejecting the null hypothesis and statistical significance.

Explain what a statistically significant result means, and what it does not mean.

Explain the relationship between statistical significance and the probability of the result.

Recognize correct and incorrect interpretations of statistical significance.

Given a research hypothesis or question, the variance or s.d. of the population, a level of alpha, and the size and mean of a sample:

• Decide whether a two-tailed, an upper one-tailed test, or a lower one-tailed test is required.
• Identify H₀ and H₁.
• Locate the rejection region, find the critical value of z (z_c), and state the decision rule.
• Calculate z_o.
• Decide whether to reject or retain H₀.
• Recognize appropriate and inappropriate conclusions.