Hypothesis tests for the normal distribution can be conducted in a very similar way to binomial distribution, except this time we switch our test statistic. These tests are useful as again they help us test claims of normally distributed items.
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Jetzt kostenlos anmeldenHypothesis tests for the normal distribution can be conducted in a very similar way to binomial distribution, except this time we switch our test statistic. These tests are useful as again they help us test claims of normally distributed items.
When we hypothesis test for the mean of a normal distribution we think about looking at the mean of a sample from a population.
So for a random sample of size n of a population, taken from the random variable \(X \sim N(\mu, \sigma^2)\), the sample mean \(\bar{X}\) can be normally distributed by \(\bar{X} \sim N(\mu, \frac{\sigma^2}{n})\).
Let's look at an example.
The weight of crisps is each packet is normally distributed with a standard deviation of 2.5g.
The crisp company claims that the crisp packets have a mean weight of 28g. There were numerous complaints that each crisp packet weighs less than this. Therefore a trading inspector investigated this and found in a sample of 50 crisp packets, the mean weight was 27.2g.
Using a 5% significance level and stating the hypothesis, clearly test whether or not the evidence upholds the complaints.
SOLUTION:
STEP | Example |
Step 1: State hypotheses clearly. | \(H_0: \mu = 28 \quad H_1: \mu < 28\) |
Step 2: Write out the probability distribution assuming H0 is true. | \(X \sim N(28, 2.5^2)\) |
Step 3: Find the probability distribution of the sample mean. | \(\bar{X} \sim N(28, \frac{2.5^2}{50})\) |
Step 4: Sketch a normal distribution diagram. | We are going to calculate \(P(\bar{X} \leq 27.1)\). |
Step 5: Make the calculation \(P(\bar{X} \leq \bar{x})\). \(\bar{x}\) is the mean that was found in the sample. | \(P(\bar{X} \leq 27.1) = 0.00545\) |
Step 6: Compare with the significance level, and make a conclusion on the hypothesis. | \(0.00545 < 0.05\), and therefore contained within the critical region so we reject our null hypothesis and accept our alternative hypothesis. |
This is an example of a one tailed test. Let's look at an example of a two tailed test.
A machine produces circular discs with a radius R, where R is normally distributed with a mean of 2cm and a standard deviation of 0.3cm.
The machine is serviced and after the service, a random sample of 40 discs is taken to see if the mean has changed from 2cm. The radius is still normally distributed with a standard deviation of 0.3 cm.
The mean is found to be 1.9cm.
Has the mean changed? Test this to a 5% significance level.
STEP | Example |
Step 1: State hypotheses clearly. | \(H_0: \mu = 2 \quad H_1: \mu ≠ 2\) |
Step 2: Write out the probability distribution assuming H0 is true. | \(X \sim N(2, 0.3^2)\) |
Step 3: Find the probability distribution of the sample mean. | \(\bar{X} \sim N(2, \frac{0.3^2}{40})\) |
Step 4: Sketch a normal distribution diagram. | |
Step 5: Make the calculation \(P(\bar{X} \leq \bar{x})\). \(\bar{x}\) is the mean that was found in the sample. | \(P(\bar{X} \leq 1.9) = 0.01751\) |
Step 6: Compare with the significance level and make a conclusion on the hypothesis. | As this is a two-tailed test we need to divide our significance level by two then compare, so we are comparing with 0.025 not 0.05: \(0.01751 < 0.025\)This is contained within our critical region, therefore we reject our null hypothesis and accept our alternative hypothesis. |
Step 5 may be confusing – do we carry out the calculation with \(P(\bar{X} \leq \bar{x})\) or \(P(\bar{X} \geq \bar{x})\)? As a general rule of thumb if the value is between 0 and the mean, then we use \(P(\bar{X} \leq \bar{x})\). If it is greater than the mean then we use \(P(\bar{X} \geq \bar{x})\).
This is the same idea as in binomial distribution. However, in normal distribution, a calculator can make our lives easier.
The distributions menu has an option called inverse normal.
Here, we enter the significance level (Area), the mean (\(\mu\)) and the standard deviation (\(\sigma\)).
The calculator will give us an answer. Let's have a look at an example below.
Wheels are made to measure for a bike. The diameter of the wheel is normally distributed with a mean of 40cm and a standard deviation of 5cm. Some people think that their wheels are too small. Find the critical value of this to a 5% significance level.
SOLUTION
In our calculator, in the inverse normal function, we need to enter:
\(\text{Area} = 0.05 \quad \mu = 40 \quad \sigma = 5\)The area is 0.05 as the significance level is 5%. This is a one-tailed test – people think that the mean is lower due to the belief that the wheels are too small.If we perform the inverse normal function we get 31.775732.
So that is our critical value and our critical region is \(X \leq 31.775732\).
Let's look at an example with two tails.
When we hypothesis test for the mean of a normal distribution we think about looking at the mean of a sample from a population.
So for a random sample of size of a population, taken from the random variable , the sample mean can be normally distributed by
No, pretty much any distribution can be used when testing a hypothesis. The two distributions that you learn at A-Level are Normal and Binomial.
We test whether or not the data can support the value of a mean being too low or too high.
What is our test statistic with normal distribution?
The mean
What calculator tool do we use to work backwards with normal distribution?
The Inverse Normal
A coach thinks his athletes will achieve less than 12 seconds in their 100 metre race. His assistant thinks they won't be this fast. If this claim was tested is this a one or two-tailed test?
One-tailed test
How do we find the critical region of a normal distribution?
By using the calculator inverse normal setting.
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