Problem
Evaluate the constructs of hypothesis testing and inferential analysis, and the two types of errors that can be made when carrying out a test of significance (see Table 4.2 in Goodwin). Assess an example of each type within the context of a research project involving a counselling situation. As you appraise some of your peers' posts, what are some of the implications of treating human subjects and their psychological and emotional turmoil as being subject to such analysis?
What is a hypothesis in research? A hypothesis is a (testable) prediction of what you think your research results are likely to be. The null hypothesis (Ho) is assumed to be true unless there is strong evidence to the contrary. The null hypothesis is similar to the legal concept of 'a person is assumed to be innocent until proven guilty.' The other hypothesis, which is assumed to be true when the Ho is false, is referred to as the alternate hypothesis (H1). Before any statistical test of significance is conducted, both the Ho and H1 need to be clearly stated.
YouTube Video: "Intro to Hypothesis Testing in Statistics - Hypothesis Testing Statistics Problems & Examples".