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Population Proportion Hypothesis Tests

Aug 12, 2025

Overview

This lecture covers the essentials of two population proportion hypothesis tests, focusing on test statistics, significance, and interpreting outcomes.

Test Statistics and Significance

  • Understand the sentence describing your hypothesis test and be able to explain it clearly.
  • A test statistic indicates whether sample data significantly disagrees with the null hypothesis.
  • Significance is determined by whether the test statistic falls in the tail defined by the critical value.
  • The p-value helps quantify how much the sample data disagrees with the null hypothesis.

Basics of Hypothesis Testing

  • The procedure for testing hypotheses with two population proportions closely follows steps from previous hypothesis tests.
  • Mastery of basics (statements, calculations, interpretations) builds a foundation for all related statistical tests.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Null Hypothesis (Hâ‚€) — The assumption that there is no effect or no difference between groups being compared.
  • Test Statistic — A standardized value used to decide whether to reject the null hypothesis.
  • Critical Value — The threshold that the test statistic must exceed for results to be considered significant.
  • P-value — The probability of observing test results at least as extreme as those obtained, assuming the null hypothesis is true.
  • Two Population Proportion Test — A hypothesis test that compares proportions from two different populations.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Review your understanding of hypothesis statements, test statistics, p-values, and critical values.
  • Practice explaining hypothesis test results in plain language.
  • Prepare for next class on related statistical tests.