Essay

Recall the two examples of null hypothesis testing decisions described in the text. For each example, state the variables studied, the specific statistical value (dd or rr) reported, the likelihood of the result if the null hypothesis were true, and the final decision made regarding the null hypothesis.

Question: Recall the two examples of null hypothesis testing decisions described in the text. For each example, state the variables studied, the specific statistical value (dd or rr) reported, the likelihood of the result if the null hypothesis were true, and the final decision made regarding the null hypothesis.

Sample answer: The first example compares talkativeness between men and women, finding a very small difference of d=0.06d = 0.06. This result is fairly likely if there were no true difference in the population, leading researchers to retain the null hypothesis. The second example examines the correlation between daily hassles and stress symptoms, finding a strong positive correlation of r=+.60r = +.60. This result is highly unlikely if there were no true relationship, leading researchers to reject the null hypothesis in favor of the alternative hypothesis.

Key points:

  • State the talkativeness study has a difference of d=0.06d = 0.06 and the null hypothesis is retained.
  • Explain that the talkativeness result is fairly likely if the null hypothesis were true.
  • State the daily hassles and stress symptoms study has a correlation of r=+.60r = +.60 and the null hypothesis is rejected.
  • Explain that the hassles/stress correlation is highly unlikely if the null hypothesis were true.

Rubric: The student must correctly state: 1) the talkativeness example with d=0.06d = 0.06, its high likelihood under the null hypothesis, and the decision to retain the null hypothesis; 2) the hassles/stress correlation with r=+.60r = +.60, its low likelihood under the null hypothesis, and the decision to reject the null hypothesis.

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Updated 2026-05-27

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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU

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