Significance and Probability

Cards (13)

  • What does probability estimate?
    Percentage chance of an event occurring
  • How is probability expressed in psychology?
    As a decimal, not a percentage
  • What is the purpose of calculating probability in psychology?
    To estimate the likelihood of results being due to chance
  • What is the traditional accepted level of significance in psychology?
    P0.05
  • What does it mean if the probability of results being due to chance is less than or equal to 5%?
    You accept the alternative hypothesis and reject the null
  • What happens if the probability is more than 5%?
    You reject the alternative hypothesis and accept the null
  • What is the process to determine if findings are significant in psychology?
    1. Calculate the probability of results due to chance
    2. Compare the probability to P0.05
    3. Accept or reject hypotheses based on the comparison
  • What does it mean if findings are significant at P ≤ 0.05?
    Observed value is higher/lower than critical value
  • What is the critical value used for in hypothesis testing?
    To determine significance in results
  • What does a one-tailed test assess?
    Direction of the effect
  • What does a two-tailed test assess?
    Both directions of the effect
  • What does 'n' represent in hypothesis testing?
    Sample size
  • How do you conclude if findings are significant or non-significant?
    By comparing observed value to critical value