Scientific Method: Stating a hypothesis, Collecting data using some sort of sampling plan; Rejecting or not rejecting the hypothesis.

Question

Scientific Method: Stating a hypothesis, Collecting data using some sort of sampling plan; Rejecting or not rejecting the hypothesis.

How would you describe the process of moving from a null hypothesis to a conclusion about such a hypothesis? What do you think is the advantage of using the scientific method?

Answer 1

 

 Typically, the mean average and standard deviation of a sample data is calculated.

 The mean average and standard deviation are used in a test statistic formula, which

  produces a test statistic.

 The test statistic is then located on the normal bell curve table. If it lies beyond

 the specified rejection threshold, the null hypothesis is rejected.

 

 Common Thresholds are 1.95 which is for 95% confidence

                                      2.81 which is for 99% confidence

 

   Yes, it is possible for the null hypothesis to get rejected at one confidence level

  but not another.

 

Once this is done, the researcher can say there is statistical evidence that supports

the claim about the population mean, or there is statistical evidence that

refutes the claim about the population mean.

 

The process is pretty much the same for testing a population proportion.

Ex. What percent of the student body is taking Calculus.

If the school claims that 20% of the students are taking calculus,

then a sample data should reflect and support that statistically.

 

Random sampling is required for such research as to eliminate bias.