Question

Recall the study that investigated whether or not Vietnam veterans tend to get divorced at a higher rate than men aged 30-44 at that time.
(a) State the null and alternative hypothesis.

(b) Describe what a Type I error would mean in this context.

Describe what a Type II error would mean in this context.  

Answer 1

a)

Since, the null hypothesis is of no difference and the alternative hypothesis is the aim of the study, therefore, the null hypothesis is "Vietnam veterans tend to get divorced at a same rate as men aged 30-44 at that time."

And the alternative hypothesis is "Vietnam veterans tend to get divorced at a higher rate than men aged 30-44 at that time."

b)

The Type I error is the rejection of true null hypothesis. Therefore, the meaning of Type I error in this context is "Vietnam veterans tend to get divorced at a higher rate than men aged 30-44 at that time, but in reality, Vietnam veterans tend to get divorced at a same rate as men aged 30-44 at that time."

The Type II error is the non-rejection of false null hypothesis. Therefore, the meaning of Type II error in this context is "Vietnam veterans tend to get divorced at a same rate as men aged 30-44 at that time, but in reality, Vietnam veterans tend to get divorced at a higher rate than men aged 30-44 at that time."