Chapter 9

Hypothesis Testing
9.1
The Language of Hypothesis
Testing

Steps in Hypothesis Testing

1. A claim is made.

Steps in Hypothesis Testing

1. A claim is made.
2. Evidence (sample data) is collected in
order to test the claim.

Steps in Hypothesis Testing

1. A claim is made.
2. Evidence (sample data) is collected in
order to test the claim.
3. The data is analyzed in order to support
or refute the claim.

A hypothesis is a statement or claim

regarding a characteristic of one or more
populations.
In this chapter, we look at hypotheses
regarding a single population.

Examples of Claims Regarding a Characteristic

of a Single Population
In 1997, 43% of Americans 18 years or older
participated in some form of charity work. A researcher
believes that this percentage different today.

Examples of Claims Regarding a Characteristic

of a Single Population
In 1997, 43% of Americans 18 years or older
participated in some form of charity work. A researcher
believes that this percentage different today.
In June, 2001 the mean length of a phone call on a
cellular telephone was 2.62 minutes. A researcher
believes that the mean length of a call has increased
since then.

Examples of Claims Regarding a Characteristic

of a Single Population
In 1997, 43% of Americans 18 years or older
participated in some form of charity work. A researcher
believes that this percentage different today.
In June, 2001 the mean length of a phone call on a
cellular telephone was 2.62 minutes. A researcher
believes that the mean length of a call has increased
since then.
Using an old manufacturing process, the standard
deviation of the amount of wine put in a bottle was 0.23
ounces. With new equipment, the quality control
manager believes the standard deviation has
decreased.

CAUTION!
We test these types of claims using
sample data because it is usually
impossible or impractical to gain access
to the entire population. If population
data is available, then inferential statistics
is not necessary.

Consider the researcher who believes that the

mean length of a cell phone call has increased
from its June, 2001 mean of 2.62 minutes.
To test this claim, the researcher might obtain a
simple random sample of 36 cell phone calls.
Suppose he determines the mean length of the
phone call is 2.70 minutes. Is this enough
evidence to conclude the length of a phone call
has increased?
We will assume the length of the phone call is still
2.62 minutes. Assume the standard deviation
length of a phone call is known to be 0.78 minutes.

What if our sample resulted in a sample

mean of 2.95 minutes?

Hypothesis testing is a procedure, based

on sample evidence and probability, used to
test claims regarding a characteristic of one
or more populations.

The null hypothesis, denoted Ho (read Hnaught), is a statement to be tested. The null
hypothesis is assumed true until evidence
indicates otherwise. In this chapter, it will be a
statement regarding the value of a population
parameter.
The alternative hypothesis, denoted, H1 (read
H-one), is a claim to be tested. We are trying to
find evidence for the alternative hypothesis. In
this chapter, it will be a claim regarding the value
of a population parameter.

In this chapter, there are three ways to set up the

null and alternative hypothesis.
1. Equal versus not equal hypothesis (two-tailed
test)
Ho: parameter = some value
H1: parameter some value

In this chapter, there are three ways to set up the

null and alternative hypothesis.
1. Equal versus not equal hypothesis (two-tailed
test)
Ho: parameter = some value
H1: parameter some value
2. Equal versus less than (left-tailed test)
Ho: parameter = some value
H1: parameter < some value

In this chapter, there are three ways to set up the

null and alternative hypothesis.
1. Equal versus not equal hypothesis (two-tailed
test)
Ho: parameter = some value
H1: parameter some value
2. Equal versus less than (left-tailed test)
Ho: parameter = some value
H1: parameter < some value
3. Equal versus greater than (right-tailed test)
Ho: parameter = some value
H : parameter > some value

EXAMPLE Forming Hypotheses

For each of the following claims, determine the null
and alternative hypothesis.
In 1997, 43% of Americans 18 years or older participated
in some form of charity work. A researcher believes that
this percentage different today.
In June, 2001 the mean length of a phone call on a
cellular telephone was 2.62 minutes. A researcher
believes that the mean length of a call has increased
since then.
Using an old manufacturing process, the standard
deviation of the amount of wine put in a bottle was 0.23
ounces. With new equipment, the quality control manager
believes the standard deviation has decreased.

Four Outcomes from Hypothesis Testing

1. We could reject Ho when in fact H1 is true. This
would be a correct decision.

Four Outcomes from Hypothesis Testing

1. We could reject Ho when in fact H1 is true. This
would be a correct decision.
2. We could not reject Ho when in fact Ho is true.
This would be a correct decision.

Four Outcomes from Hypothesis Testing

1. We could reject Ho when in fact H1 is true. This
would be a correct decision.
2. We could not reject Ho when in fact Ho is true.
This would be a correct decision.
3. We could reject Ho when in fact Ho is true. This
would be an incorrect decision. This type of error
is called a Type I error.

Four Outcomes from Hypothesis Testing

1. We could reject Ho when in fact H1 is true. This
would be a correct decision.
2. We could not reject Ho when in fact Ho is true.
This would be a correct decision.
3. We could reject Ho when in fact Ho is true. This
would be an incorrect decision. This type of error
is called a Type I error.
4. We could not reject Ho when in fact H1 is true.
This would be an incorrect decision. This type of
error is called a Type II error.

EXAMPLE

Type I and Type II Errors

For each of the following claims explain what it

would mean to make a Type I error. What would it
mean to make a Type II error?
In 1997, 43% of Americans 18 years or older
participated in some form of charity work. A
researcher believes that this percentage different
today.
In June, 2001 the mean length of a phone call
on a cellular telephone was 2.62 minutes. A
researcher believes that the mean length of a call
has increased since then.

CAUTION!

EXAMPLE

Wording the Conclusion

In June, 2001 the mean length of a phone call on a

cellular telephone was 2.62 minutes. A researcher
believes that the mean length of a call has
increased since then.
(a) Suppose the sample evidence indicates that
the null hypothesis should be rejected. State the
wording of the conclusion.
(b) Suppose the sample evidence indicates that
the null hypothesis should not be rejected. State
the wording of the conclusion.