PSYC 2530 Chapter Notes - Chapter 8: Statistical Parameter, Standard Deviation, Test Statistic
17 Oct 2016
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Hypothesis test: a statistical method that uses sample data to evaluate a hypothesis about a population. The logic underlying the hypothesis-testing procedure is as follows: 01. First, we state a hypothesis about a population. Usually the hypothesis concerns the value of a population parameter: 02. Before we select a sample, we use the hypothesis to predict the characteristics that the sample should have. The sample should be similar to the population, but you always expect a certain amount of error: 03. Next, we obtain a random sample from the population: 04. Finally, we compare the obtained sample data with the prediction that was made from the hypothesis. If the sample mean is consistent with the prediction, we conclude that the hypothesis is reasonable. But if there is a big discrepancy between the data and the prediction, we decide that the hypothesis is wrong. A hypothesis test is typically used in the context of a research study.
