Work through the list without notes. If you cannot do a statement, follow its link, then come back. Guide = study guide; Practice = practice questions.
Understanding
- I can explain that the null distribution is the distribution of the test statistic when H₀ is true, and name two ways to get it. (Guide: “The null distribution”)
- I can explain what “as extreme or more extreme” means for each type of alternative. (Guide: “Which tail? The rule for each alternative”; Practice Q2)
- I can explain why a p-value is not the probability that H₀ is true. (Guide: “What a p-value is not”; Practice Q1)
Skills
- I can find a p-value from the standard normal distribution for Hₐ: p > p₀, p < p₀ and p ≠ p₀. (Guide: Worked example 2; Practice Q4)
- I can estimate a p-value from a simulated null distribution for a one-sided alternative. (Guide: Worked example 1; Practice Q5)
- I can estimate a two-sided p-value from a simulation by counting both tails. (Guide: “Which tail?”; Practice Q3)
- I can recognise when a simulation is needed because the normality condition fails. (Practice Q5(a))
Reasoning
- I can interpret a p-value in context, starting with the assumption that the true proportion equals p₀. (Guide: “Interpreting a p-value in context”; Practice Q1, Q5, Q6)
- I can explain that a smaller p-value gives more convincing evidence for Hₐ. (Guide: “What small and not-small p-values tell you”; Practice Q7(d))
- I can explain why a p-value that is not small is not evidence that H₀ is true. (Guide: Worked example 1(c); Practice Q6)
- I can spot a p-value from the wrong tail, including one above 0.5 when the result is on the opposite side of p₀ from Hₐ. (Guide: Worked example 2(c); Practice Q7)
All ticked? Move on to Topic 3.7, Carrying Out a Test for a Population Proportion, or return to the course roadmap.