Statistical tests

Question 1

Why are statistical tests used ?

Answer 1

They are carried out to see whether there is a difference between the results. This difference may be significant or down to chance. Using statistical tests we can calculate the probability our results will be down to chance or not, which decides if we reject or accept our null hypothesis.

Question 2

Using statistical tests ?

Answer 2

1) Statistical tests calculate the observed value.
2) The critical value then has to be looked up on the statistical table.

Question 3

What do you need to know for you to be able to look up the critical value on the statistical tables ?

Answer 3

• Degrees of freedom (related to the number of participants)
• If the hypothesis is directional or non-directional.
• Level of significance

Question 4

R then ?

Answer 4

Observed > Critical will be significant

Question 5

No R ?

Answer 5

Critical > Observed will be significant.

Question 6

Statistical test conclusion structure :

Answer 6

As the observed value of ———–
is (greater than/less than) the critical value of ——————. We must (accept/reject) the null hypothesis (at p<0.05) and conclude that (state the ‘hypothesis’).