Which of the following is not a criterion for making a decision in a hypothesis test?

• A. The significance level chosen before the test
• B. The sample size used in the study
• C. The $p$-value calculated from the sample data
• D. The value of the test statistic compared to the critical value

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that in hypothesis testing, decisions are made based on specific criteria that help determine whether to reject the null hypothesis.
2. Identify the common criteria used in hypothesis testing: the significance level (\$\alpha\$), the p-value, and the comparison of the test statistic to the critical value.
3. Recall that the significance level (\$\alpha\$) is chosen before the test to set the threshold for rejecting the null hypothesis.
4. Recognize that the p-value is calculated from the sample data and represents the probability of observing the test results under the null hypothesis.
5. Note that the sample size is important for the power and accuracy of the test but is not a direct criterion used to make the decision in hypothesis testing.