Which of the following is the first step in hypothesis testing based on the t statistic?
A) Select the appropriate formula for the t statistic.
B) Take one or two samples and compute the mean.
C) Select a significance level α for testing.
D) Refer to statistical tables.
E) Formulate the null (H₀) and the alternative (H₁) hypotheses.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The first step in hypothesis testing based on the t statistic is to formulate the null (H₀) and the alternative (H₁) hypotheses. This involves specifying the population parameter of interest, the direction of the hypothesis (one-tailed or two-tailed), and the level of significance. Only after this step is completed can the appropriate formula for the t statistic be selected, the sample mean(s) computed, and the significance level α chosen. Finally, statistical tables can be used to determine the critical value of the t statistic and to calculate the p-value for the hypothesis test.

Which of the Following Is the First Step in Hypothesis