Question

What is the reason to prefer type II errors over type I errors?

1) Type II errors are less serious than type I errors
2) Type II errors are more easily corrected than type I errors
3) Type II errors are less likely to occur than type I errors
4) Type II errors have less impact on decision-making than type I errors

Answer 1

The preference for Type II errors over Type I errors generally stems from the belief that Type II errors are less serious. However, this varies based on the context and consequences associated with the decision.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to the reasons one might prefer a Type II error over a Type I error in the context of hypothesis testing. A Type I error occurs when the null hypothesis is incorrectly rejected, while a Type II error occurs when a false null hypothesis is not rejected. Preferences between these errors depend on the context and consequences of the decision. In some cases, a Type II error is preferred over a Type I error because Type II errors are generally perceived to be less serious; for example, it may be less dangerous to fail to recognize an effect when there is one (Type II) than to mistakenly assert an effect that doesn't exist (Type I). However, the seriousness of either error ultimately depends on the specific context of the test.