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Type II error

Definition

Type II error occurs when we fail to reject a null hypothesis that is actually false. In other words, it's the mistake of accepting the null hypothesis when we should have rejected it.

Analogy

Imagine you're playing hide and seek with your friends. A type II error would be if you thought someone was hiding in a particular spot, but they were actually hiding somewhere else. You missed finding them because you didn't search in the right place.

Related terms

Power: Power is the probability of correctly rejecting a false null hypothesis. It represents our ability to detect an effect or difference when one truly exists.

Type I error: Type I error is the opposite of type II error. It occurs when we reject a null hypothesis that is actually true.

Significance level (alpha): The significance level is the threshold at which we decide whether to reject or fail to reject the null hypothesis. It determines how much evidence we need against the null hypothesis before rejecting it.

"Type II error" appears in:

Practice Questions (7)

  • How can the probability of a Type II error be reduced?
  • What is the complement of Type II error?
  • What is the consequence of a Type II error?
  • What is a type II error also known as?
  • Which of the following increases the probability of making a Type II error?
  • If the probability of making a Type II error is 0.05, what is the power of the test?
  • What is a Type II error?


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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.