Alpha level
You are currently viewing a sample of the Cram Kit. Click here to unlock everything.
Your alpha level (α) is the threshold that determines whether your p-value is statistically significant. In other words, it determines whether or not you reject or fail to reject your null hypothesis.
This alpha level will be given to you in the problem!
Typically, you'll be working with alpha levels of 0.01 or 0.05. The problem will specify.
If your p-value is less than your alpha level (α)...
- The probability of a sample of the same size occurring (p-value) was so low (below the alpha level (α))...
- ...it indicates the results of our sample hold statistical significance.
The p-value fits within the alpha level, so the chances were so slim of our sample occurring that it suggest statistical significance!
If your p-value is greater than your alpha level (α)...
- The probability of a sample of the same size occurring (the p-value) was too high (above the alpha level (α))...
- ...could've just been due to random chance.
The p-value would've had to fit in the alpha level to be statistically significant!
