Discussion:
Hypotheses and Significance
Identify a research question that can be addressed with a hypothesis test. An example might be to identify the presence of bacteria in a batch of milk.
Define your research question as a statement.
What is your measurement parameter?
What is the critical value?
Now express your research question as a null and an alternate hypothesis.
Define the meaning of a Type I error and a Type II error, the meaning in terms of the correctness of your response to the situation. My example might mean we sell milk that contains bacterial contamination and our customers get sick or we incur the huge cost of a recall.
Consider the risk posed by your research question. What level of significance should your choose? Justify your choice in terms of the probability of making a Type I error and the probability of making a Type II error.