which of the following is the correct decision for a two-tailed hypothesis test?

Question

An independent-measures research study uses two samples, each with n=12 participants. If the data produces a t statistic of t=2.08, then which of the following is the correct decision for a two-tailed hypothesis test?

Answer 1

Jessica,

 

You didn't indicate what the confidence level in the test is (α).  Assuming α = .05, then looking for the critical value of t with n = 12 in a t-table, we find that:

 

t_critical = 2.179

 

So, since 2.08 < 2.179, we cannot reject the null hypothesis that the means are equal.

 

Should note that t_critical is dependent on α and n.

 

Hope this helps!