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Hypothesis Testing: Maths & Science Guide to Clear and Simple

What a p-value actually tells you, and a four-step method that works for almost every exam question.

Daniel Otieno8 min read
Tests without tears

Hypothesis testing confuses students because textbooks start with the formulas.

Start with the question

Every test asks one thing: is this result too unusual to be chance? The p-value is how unusual it is.

Write your hypotheses in words before symbols. It prevents most mistakes.Margin note from Daniel

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Four steps

  1. State the hypotheses
  2. Choose the test and significance level
  3. Calculate the statistic
  4. Conclude in the context of the question
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Written by Daniel Otieno

MSc Applied Mathematics. Teaches Mathematics, Statistics one-to-one on NoteStore, online and in person, and writes study guides for the Journal.

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