At 05:29 PM 4/5/01 +0000, Andrew L. wrote:
>I am trying to learn what a t-test will actually tell me, in simple terms.
>Dennis Roberts and Paige Miller, have helped alot, but i still dont quite
>understand the significance.
neither does most of the world (including myself on the odd numbered days)
... so, don't feel alone
this is a bit hard to cover in a paragraph or two AND, before doing that,
we need to feel that you have tackled enough readings so that there is some
background in your mind ... with just sticky points left to iron out
but, let me put before you a scenario that you might think about (not in a
context of t tests) but, a broader issue of hypothesis testing ... which of
course is what significance is all about
lets say that you come before me ... and, we do a coin flipping experiment ...
i pull a penny out of my pocket ...
1. first flip ... heads
have any worries about if something funny is going on?
NAH
2. second flip ... heads
any problems with getting 2 heads in a row?
NAH
3. third flip ... heads
whatcha think about it now?
well, no MAJOR qualms
4. fourth flip ... heads ...
getting a bit edgy???
5. fifth flip ... heads
6. sixth flip ... heads ...
etc.
at WHAT point might you get SO edgy that you say ... 'wait a minute ...
something's not right here ... '
THAT is the essence of hypothesis testing .... and significance ...
A. there IS a null hypothesis here ..
B. you might REJECT this null at some point given your sample evidence
C. which might lead you to what alternative conclusion?
>Andy L
>
>
>
>
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_________________________________________________________
dennis roberts, educational psychology, penn state university
208 cedar, AC 8148632401, mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://roberts.ed.psu.edu/users/droberts/drober~1.htm
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