Final Answer:
The seven official steps of a hypothesis test are: 1) State the null hypothesis (H₀) and the alternative hypothesis (Hₐ), 2) Choose the significance level (α), 3) Identify the test statistic, 4) Formulate the decision rule, 5) Collect and analyze data, 6) Make a decision to reject or fail to reject the null hypothesis, and 7) State the conclusion of the test.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first step in a hypothesis test is to state the null hypothesis (H₀) and the alternative hypothesis (Hₐ). H₀ represents the status quo, while Hₐ suggests a change or difference. The significance level (α) is the predetermined threshold for accepting or rejecting the null hypothesis, typically set at 0.05.
Next, one must identify the appropriate test statistic based on the hypothesis being tested. The decision rule is then formulated, outlining the criteria for rejecting the null hypothesis. In the data collection and analysis phase, the sample data is used to calculate the test statistic. Comparing the test statistic to the critical value(s) or p-value, a decision is made to either reject or fail to reject the null hypothesis. The final step involves stating the conclusion, interpreting the results in the context of the study and the chosen significance level.
In conclusion, the seven steps of a hypothesis test provide a systematic and structured approach to drawing conclusions about population parameters based on sample data. Each step is essential for ensuring the validity and reliability of the statistical analysis, and adherence to these steps contributes to the integrity of the scientific process.