Probability and Significance

• What is the significance of a statistically significant result in inferential statistics?

  • Indicates results are unlikely to have occurred by chance
  • Typically uses a significance level of 0.05 (5%)
  • Suggests a 95% confidence in the results
• What does a significance level of 0.05 indicate?

  There is a 5% chance that results occurred by chance
• What is the difference between a Type I error and a Type II error?

  A Type I error is rejecting the null hypothesis when it is true, while a Type II error is failing to reject it when it is false
• What is the null hypothesis (H0)?

  An assumption that there is no relationship or difference between variables
• What is the experimental hypothesis (H1)?

  A testable statement about the relationship or difference between variables
• What does it mean to reject the null hypothesis?

  It indicates that the results are statistically significant
• What is a Type I error also known as?

  A false positive
• What is a Type II error also known as?

  A false negative
• How can researchers reduce the chance of a Type II error?

  By setting a less stringent significance level or increasing the sample size
• What are the implications of a significant result at the 0.01 level?

  • There is only a 1% chance that the observed difference is due to chance
  • Indicates strong evidence against the null hypothesis
• What is the purpose of using a repeated measures design in research?

  To control for individual differences by using the same participants in all conditions
• Why is it important to have a control condition in the study?

  To compare the effects of the experimental condition against a baseline
• What is the role of critical values in hypothesis testing?

  They determine the threshold for rejecting the null hypothesis
• What does it mean if a researcher has a lenient significance level?

  It increases the likelihood of making a Type I error
• What is the relationship between significance and probability in inferential statistics?

  Significance indicates the likelihood that results are not due to chance, while probability quantifies that likelihood
• Why is it important to understand Type I and Type II errors in research?

  To evaluate the reliability and validity of research findings
• What does it mean to have a one-tailed test in hypothesis testing?

  It tests for the possibility of the relationship in one direction only
• What is the purpose of conducting a hypothesis test?

  To determine if there is enough evidence to reject the null hypothesis
• What does it mean if a researcher concludes that their results are statistically significant?

  It means the results are unlikely to have occurred by chance
• How does sample size affect the likelihood of Type I and Type II errors?

  A larger sample size can reduce the likelihood of Type II errors
• What does it mean to accept the null hypothesis?

  It means there is not enough evidence to support the alternative hypothesis
• What is the role of the critical value in determining the outcome of a hypothesis test?

  It serves as a benchmark to compare the calculated test statistic
• Why is it important to justify the acceptance or rejection of a hypothesis?

  To provide clarity and rationale for the research findings
• What does it mean if a researcher finds no significant difference in their results?

  It suggests that the null hypothesis cannot be rejected
• How can researchers ensure the reliability of their results?

  By using consistent methods and larger sample sizes
• What does it mean to operationalize variables in research?

  To define variables in measurable terms
• What is the significance of peer review in research?

  It ensures the quality and credibility of research before publication
• How does the concept of falsifiability relate to hypothesis testing?

  It means that a hypothesis must be testable and able to be proven false
• What does it mean to have a significant p-value?

  It indicates strong evidence against the null hypothesis
• How can researchers minimize bias in their studies?

  By using random sampling and blinding techniques
• What is the significance of a control group in an experiment?

  It allows for comparison against the experimental group
• What does it mean to generalize findings from a study?

  To apply the results to a larger population beyond the sample
• How does the concept of reliability relate to research findings?

  Reliable findings yield consistent results across different studies
• What is the importance of a literature review in research?

  It helps to identify gaps in existing research and justify the study
• What does it mean to replicate a study?

  To conduct the same study again to verify results
• How does sample bias affect research outcomes?

  It can lead to unrepresentative results that do not reflect the population
• What is the significance of ethical guidelines in psychological research?

  They ensure the protection of participants and integrity of the research
• What does it mean to have a significant effect in research?

  It indicates that the results are unlikely to have occurred by chance
• How can researchers ensure the validity of their findings?

  By using appropriate research designs and methods
• What is the role of a hypothesis in research?

  It provides a testable prediction about the relationship between variables