54843312
A left-tailed test of \(H_0:p=0.60\) against \(H_a:p<0.60\) reports a p-value of \(0.28\). Consider these statements.
I. There is a \(28\%\) chance that \(H_0\) is true.
II. If \(p=0.60\), the probability of obtaining a sample proportion at or below the observed sample proportion is \(0.28\).
III. There is a \(28\%\) chance that random sampling caused the observed result.
IV. The population proportion is \(0.28\).
a) Which statement correctly interprets the p-value?
b) Explain briefly why each other statement is incorrect.
Hints
- Look for a statement that begins by assuming the null claim.
- The probability must describe sample results in the direction of the alternative.
- Distinguish a tail probability from both a parameter estimate and a probability that a hypothesis is true.
Solution
1. Statement II is correct because it conditions on the null value and describes results at least as extreme in the direction of the left-tailed alternative.
2. Statement I assigns a probability to the truth of the null hypothesis, which a p-value does not do.
3. Statement III does not define a probability event and incorrectly treats “caused by chance” as a quantified conclusion.
4. Statement IV confuses the p-value with an estimate of the population parameter.
Answer
a) Statement II.
b) I assigns probability to \(H_0\); III misstates what event has probability \(0.28\); IV confuses the p-value with the population proportion.
