A Test of Hypothesis is a statistical method used to make inferences or draw conclusions about a
population based on a sample of data. It involves evaluating a hypothesis about a population
parameter (like a mean, proportion, or variance) using sample data to determine whether there is
enough evidence to reject or fail to reject the hypothesis.
Key Components of Hypothesis Testing:
1. Null Hypothesis (H₀): This is a statement of no effect, no difference, or no relationship. It
represents the status quo or a claim that is to be tested.
Example: "The mean weight of apples in a batch is 150 grams."
2. Alternative Hypothesis (H₁ or Ha): This is a statement that contradicts the null hypothesis,
often suggesting that there is an effect, difference, or relationship.
Example: "The mean weight of apples in a batch is not 150 grams."
3. Test Statistic: A value calculated from the sample data that is used to decide whether to
reject the null hypothesis. The choice of test statistic depends on the nature of the data (e.g.,
t-statistic, z-statistic, chi-square).
4. Significance Level (α): The probability threshold that determines whether the null
hypothesis is rejected. Commonly, a significance level of 0.05 (5%) is used. If the p-value is
less than α, the null hypothesis is rejected.
5. P-value: The probability of obtaining results as extreme as, or more extreme than, the
observed data assuming the null hypothesis is true. If the p-value is less than the significance
level (α), the null hypothesis is rejected.
6. Decision: Based on the p-value or test statistic:
o If the p-value < α, reject the null hypothesis (there is enough evidence to support
the alternative hypothesis).
o If the p-value ≥ α, fail to reject the null hypothesis (there isn’t enough evidence to
support the alternative hypothesis).
Steps in Hypothesis Testing:
1. State the hypotheses: Define the null and alternative hypotheses.
2. Choose the significance level (α): Common choices are 0.05, 0.01, or 0.10.
3. Select the appropriate test: Depending on the data and the hypothesis, choose a test (e.g., t-
test, z-test, chi-square test).
4. Calculate the test statistic: Compute the statistic based on sample data.
5. Make a decision: Compare the p-value with α to reject or fail to reject the null hypothesis.
6. Interpret the results: Draw conclusions based on the decision made in step 5.
Example:
Suppose you want to test whether the average height of students in a school is 160 cm. You collect a
sample of 30 students and want to test the hypothesis at a 5% significance level.
Null hypothesis (H₀): The average height is 160 cm.
Alternative hypothesis (H₁): The average height is not 160 cm.
You perform a statistical test (like a t-test), calculate the test statistic, and find a p-value of 0.03.
Since 0.03 < 0.05 (the chosen significance level), you reject the null hypothesis and conclude that
there is enough evidence to suggest that the average height is not 160 cm.
Hypothesis testing is a fundamental technique in statistics used across various fields, including
research, healthcare, economics, and quality control.
