Learning Objectives

A brief introduction to probability

6-1: Define probability both conceptually and mathematically.

6-2: Understand why probability is important to researchers.

6-3: Understand the addition rule of probability.

6-4: Understand the relationship between sampling error and probability.

6-5: Understand how probability can be applied to distributions.

6-6: Understand the differences between normal distributions and binomial distributions.

Introduction to hypothesis testing

6-7: List the main steps in hypothesis testing.

6-8: Understand the differences between research hypotheses and statistical hypotheses.

6-9: Define the null and alternative hypotheses.

6-10: List the main steps in making the decision about the null hypothesis.

6-11: Understand the difference between the regions of rejection and non-rejection.

Issues related to hypothesis testing: An introduction

6-12: Understand why we say a research hypothesis has been “supported” rather than “proved”.

6-13: Identify the two types of errors that can be made regarding the two statistical hypotheses.

6-14: Understand how three factors (sample size, alpha, directionality of the alternative hypothesis) affect the decision made about the null hypothesis.

6-15: Understand the difference between a directional (one-tailed) and a non-directional (two-tailed) alternative hypothesis.