---
title: "power | AP Stats Definition"
description: "Power is the probability of correctly rejecting a false null hypothesis in a statistical test."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-stats/key-terms/power"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Statistics"
---

# power | AP Stats Definition

## Definition

Power is the probability of correctly rejecting a false null hypothesis in a statistical test.

## What It Is

Power is the [probability](/ap-stats/unit-2/intro-probability/study-guide/gfnBWfyMANOxF3vWLrbA "fv-autolink") of correctly rejecting a false [null hypothesis](/ap-stats/key-terms/null-hypothesis "fv-autolink") in a statistical test.

In [AP Statistics](/ap-stats "fv-autolink"), this term belongs to 3.8 Potential Errors When Performing Tests. Use the notation and conditions attached to the procedure or model, then interpret the result in context.

## Why It Matters

power supports [Unit 3](/ap-stats/unit-3 "fv-autolink"): Inference for Categorical Data: Proportions. The relevant CED learning objectives cover identify Type I and Type II errors; calculate the probability of Type I and Type II errors.

## Connections

### 3.8 Potential Errors When Performing Tests

power is used in this topic. Connect the definition to the topic's calculations and interpretations in context.

### [10% condition (Unit 3)](/ap-stats/key-terms/10percent-condition)

10% condition connects to power through the course's focus on [variation](/ap-stats/unit-5 "fv-autolink"), calculation, and conclusions in context.

### [Chi-Square Statistic (Unit 3)](/ap-stats/key-terms/chi-square-statistic)

[Chi-Square Statistic](/ap-stats/key-terms/chi-square-statistic "fv-autolink") connects to power through the course's focus on variation, calculation, and conclusions in context.

## On the AP Exam

An AP question can ask you to select, check, calculate, and interpret an inference procedure for proportions or categorical data. Name the concept precisely, show the relevant calculation when needed, and state the conclusion in the problem's context.

## Key Takeaways

- Power is the probability of correctly rejecting a false null hypothesis in a statistical test.
- power is mapped to 3.8 Potential Errors When Performing Tests in the current AP Statistics course.
- On an AP question, use power as part of a complete calculation or interpretation, not as an isolated label.

## FAQs

### What is power in AP Statistics?

Power is the probability of correctly rejecting a false null hypothesis in a statistical test.

### Which AP Stats unit covers power?

power appears in Unit 3: Inference for Categorical Data: Proportions, especially 3.8 [Potential Errors When Performing Tests](/ap-stats/unit-3/potential-errors-when-performing-tests/study-guide/YxhrmoLje3YYOwcocJrS "fv-autolink").

### How does power appear on the AP exam?

An AP question can ask you to select, check, calculate, and interpret an inference procedure for proportions or [categorical data](/ap-stats/key-terms/categorical-data "fv-autolink"). Name the concept precisely, show the relevant calculation when needed, and state the conclusion in the problem's context.

### Is power only a vocabulary term?

No. Be ready to use it in a calculation, identify it in a setup, or interpret what it means in context.

## Related Study Guides

- [What Are the Best Quizlet Decks for AP Statistics?](/ap-stats/faqs/quizlet-decks-ap-statistics/study-guide/McK83yVXqkQ58roeeMKG)

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