Intro to Null Hypothesis Significance Testing with z-test

Overview

This is primarily aimed at first- and second-year undergraduates interested in psychology, data analysis, and quantitative research methods along with high school students and professionals with similar interests. This course delves into the foundational concepts of probability and statistics, emphasizing the importance of random sampling and the normal distribution. Students will learn to apply statistical methods, including z-scores, effect size, and confidence intervals in the context of null hypothesis significance testing. The course also covers the implications of the central limit theorem and the relationship between statistical power and error types. Table of Contents: Probability and Distributions The Normal Distribution Sampling Distributions and the Central Limit Theorem The Logic of Null Hypothesis Significance Testing Null Hypothesis Significance Testing With the z-test Errors in Null Hypothesis Significance Testing Evaluating Statistical Significance Effect Size, Confidence Intervals, and Power

Syllabus

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Probability Distributions

When do you think about probability? Do you think about games of chance, shuffling cards, rolling dice, the probability of winning a lottery? Or do you think about events in daily life, the probability that you will need your umbrella today, the probability you will make it to an appointment on time when traffic is heavy? Using statistics depends critically on a basic understanding of probability. We need concepts from probability theory to know, for instance, what it means to draw a random sample, or how to estimate how likely it is that we might observe a particular value of a variable or statistic.

Null Hypothesis Significance Testing

In this module, we begin using inferential statistics to test hypotheses. We use the z-test, which compares a sample mean with a population mean, to introduce the concept of statistical significance and the steps involved in determining whether a result is statistically significant.

Evaluating Statistical Significance
Conclusion
PsycLearn Essentials APA Student Resources

This module provides a variety of information and tools from the American Psychological Association (APA) that will help inspire you as you complete your coursework and plan your career goals. Get discounted access to Academic Writer, APA’s online tool for writing effectively, as well as valuable advice that will help you develop and strengthen your skillset for learning success and future employment. Additionally, explore resources on various psychological issues. This module also includes APA resources on scholarly research and writing; a list of sites providing valuable resources on diversity, equity, and inclusion in psychology education and in the professional community; resources on a career in psychology; and links to career opportunities at the APA. You can also view videos that offer tips on dealing with stress.