Hypothesis Testing Vocabulary

Flashcards for hypothesis testing vocabulary.

Hypothesis Testing

A statistical method used to verify a statement about a population parameter by examining a random sample and comparing sample statistics to the stated value.

Population

The entire group about which a statement is made during hypothesis testing.

Sample

A subset of the population selected randomly to verify a statement about the population.

Sample Mean

The average calculated from the sample, used to infer about the population mean.

Null Hypothesis (H0)

A statement about a population parameter that is assumed to be true unless evidence suggests otherwise; often a status quo hypothesis.

Alternative Hypothesis

A statement that contradicts the null hypothesis and is accepted if the null hypothesis is rejected; it can be one-sided or two-sided.

Two-Sided Test

A hypothesis test where the alternative hypothesis is that the parameter is not equal to a specific value.

One-Sided Test

A hypothesis test where the alternative hypothesis specifies a direction (greater than or less than) for the parameter relative toNull hypothesis.

Significance Level (Alpha)

The probability of rejecting the null hypothesis when it is actually true (Type I error).

Type I Error

The error of rejecting the null hypothesis when it is true; also known as the level of significance (alpha).

Type II Error

The error of accepting the null hypothesis when it is false; denoted as beta.

Test Statistic

A standardized value calculated from the sample data, used to determine whether to reject the null hypothesis.

P-value

The probability of obtaining a test statistic at least as extreme as the one observed, assuming the null hypothesis is true.

Critical Regions

Ranges of values for the test statistic for which the null hypothesis will be rejected.

Critical Value

The value that defines the boundary of the critical region; used to determine whether to reject the null hypothesis.