statistical tables

Question 1

use of statistical tests

Answer 1

Allow the researcher to establish whether a result is significant or due to chance, and then a decision can be made to either accept or reject null hypothesis.

Question 2

observed value

Answer 2

Once a statistical value has been calculated the result is a number, which is called the calculated/observed value. This must then be compared with a critical value and this comparison will tell us whether we can reject or accept the null hypothesis.

Question 3

critical value

Answer 3

Each statistical test has its own table of critical values. In order to look up the critical value, you must know:
- Whether the hypothesis is directional or not - if directional, one tailed test carried out and if non-directional, two-tailed test carried out.
- The significance level
- Number of participants in sample, usually written as N= then a number.