Hypothesis Testing, The z-test

PSYC 2317 Mark W. Tengler, M.S.

Assignment #9

Hypothesis Testing

9.1 Briefly explain in your own words the advantage of using an alpha level (α) = .01 versus an α = .05. In general, what is the disadvantage of using a smaller alpha level?

9.2 Discuss in your own words the errors that can be made in hypothesis testing. a. What is a type I error? Why might it occur? b. What is a type II error? How does it happen?

9.3 The term error is used in two different ways in the context of a hypothesis test. First, there is the concept of standard error (i.e. average sampling error), and second, there is the concept of a Type I error. a. What factor can a researcher control that will reduce the risk of a Type I

error? b. What factor can a researcher control that will reduce the standard error?