Probability and significance Flashcards
Before analysing data what must be outlined?
A clear hypothesis
What is a directional hypothesis?
It states which direction the findings are expected to take (eg more, less, increase, decrease)
What is a non-directional hypothesis?
The outcome for the research is not certain, no predicted outcome is specified
What number is generated after conducting a statistical test?
Calculated value
What needs to be considered when determining the critical value?
- One tailed or two tailed
- Number of participants in the sample
- Level of significance or p value
What is the typically accepted p value in psychology?
0.05 or 5%
What is a type I error?
When the null hypothesis is rejected and the experimental hypothesis is accepted INCORRECTLY.
How else may you refer to a type I error?
A false positive
Is the research too lenient or stringent if it’s a type I error?
Too lenient, perhaps 10% instead of 5%
What is a type II error?
When the researcher has accepted the null hypothesis and rejected the experimental hypothesis INCORRECTLY
How else may you refer to a type II error?
A false negative
Is the research too lenient or stringent if it’s a type II error?
Too stringent, perhaps 1% instead of 5%
