Skip to main content
Back

Performing Hypothesis Tests: Variance definitions

Control buttons has been changed to "navigation" mode.
1/15
  • Population Variance

    Represents the spread of values in an entire population, often denoted as sigma squared.
  • Sample Variance

    Measures the variability within a sample, calculated as the average squared deviation from the sample mean.
  • Chi-Square Test Statistic

    A value computed to assess claims about variance, using the formula n-1 times sample variance divided by expected variance.
  • Degrees of Freedom

    Indicates the number of independent values in a calculation, found by subtracting one from the sample size.
  • Null Hypothesis

    A statement asserting that the population variance equals a specified value, serving as the default assumption.
  • Alternative Hypothesis

    A claim suggesting the population variance differs from the specified value, often greater or less than.
  • Significance Level

    A threshold, denoted as alpha, used to decide whether to reject the null hypothesis based on the p-value.
  • P-Value

    The probability of observing a test statistic as extreme as the one calculated, assuming the null hypothesis is true.
  • Random Sample

    A subset of data selected so each member of the population has an equal chance of inclusion.
  • Normal Distribution

    A symmetric, bell-shaped distribution required for valid variance hypothesis testing.
  • Right Tail Probability

    The likelihood that the test statistic exceeds a certain value, relevant for greater-than alternative hypotheses.
  • Test Statistic

    A calculated value used to compare observed data with what is expected under the null hypothesis.
  • Hypothesis Test

    A procedure for evaluating claims about population parameters using sample data and statistical methods.
  • Sigma Squared

    The notation for population variance, representing the average squared deviation from the mean.
  • Alpha

    The chosen probability threshold for making decisions in hypothesis testing, commonly set at 0.05 or 0.1.