Essay

In the context of the cookie-calorie estimation study, explain the role of the null hypothesis (μ=250\mu = 250) and describe how the researcher uses the calculated tt score of 3.07-3.07 and the critical value of ±2.262\pm 2.262 to make a statistical decision about student estimation accuracy.

Question: In the context of the cookie-calorie estimation study, explain the role of the null hypothesis (μ=250\mu = 250) and describe how the researcher uses the calculated tt score of 3.07-3.07 and the critical value of ±2.262\pm 2.262 to make a statistical decision about student estimation accuracy.

Sample answer: The null hypothesis (μ=250\mu = 250) represents the baseline assumption that university students accurately estimate the cookie's actual calorie count (250 calories). Since the calculated tt score of 3.07-3.07 is more extreme (further from zero) than the critical value of ±2.262\pm 2.262, the calculated value falls into the rejection region. Consequently, the researcher rejects the null hypothesis and concludes that students significantly underestimate the number of calories in the cookie.

Key points:

  • The null hypothesis (μ=250\mu = 250) represents accurate estimation of the cookie's actual calories.
  • The calculated tt score of 3.07-3.07 is compared to the critical value threshold of ±2.262\pm 2.262.
  • Because 3.07-3.07 is more extreme than 2.262-2.262, the researcher rejects the null hypothesis.
  • The statistical conclusion is that students significantly underestimate the calorie count.

Rubric: Answers must accurately explain that the null hypothesis represents accurate estimation of 250 calories, compare the absolute value of the calculated tt score (3.07-3.07) to the critical value (2.2622.262), state that the null hypothesis is rejected, and conclude that students significantly underestimate the calories.

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Updated 2026-05-27

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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU

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