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Type I error

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Intro to Statistics

Definition

A Type I error occurs when a true null hypothesis is incorrectly rejected. It is also known as a false positive.

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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. A Type I error is denoted by the symbol $\alpha$.
  2. The probability of committing a Type I error is called the significance level.
  3. A common significance level used in hypothesis testing is 0.05, or 5%.
  4. Reducing the significance level decreases the likelihood of making a Type I error but increases the chance of a Type II error.
  5. In practical terms, a Type I error might lead to concluding that an effect or difference exists when it actually does not.

Review Questions

  • What symbol represents the probability of making a Type I error?
  • What happens to the likelihood of a Type II error if you reduce the significance level?
  • Provide an example scenario where committing a Type I error could have serious implications.

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