Statistics Dictionary
To see a definition, select a term from the dropdown text box below. The statistics
dictionary will display the definition, plus links to related web pages.
Select term:
Hypothesis Test
Statisticians follow a formal process to determine whether to reject a
null hypothesis, based on sample data. This process is called
hypothesis testing. An hypothesis test consists of four steps.
-
Formulate the hypotheses. This involves stating the null and
alternative hypotheses. The hypotheses are stated in such a way that
they are mutually exclusive. That is, if one is true, the other must be false;
and vice versa.
-
Identify the test statistic. This involves specifying the
statistic
(e.g., a mean score, proportion) that will be used to assess
the validity of the null hypothesis.
-
Formulate a decision rule. A decision rule is a procedure that the researcher
uses to decide whether to reject the null hypothesis.
-
Test the null hypothesis. Use the decision rule to evaluate the
test statistic. If the statistic is consistent with the null hypothesis,
you cannot reject
the null hypothesis; otherwise, reject the null hypothesis.
