, PLEASE USE THIS DOCUMENT AS A GUIDE ONLY
QUESTION 1
1.1. Indicate whether the following statements are True or False. Motivate your answer.
a) For this module, the level of significance is always given as 0,001.
False.
The level of significance (α) is not fixed at 0.001; it typically varies depending on the research
context. Common levels used in statistical tables for this text include 0.05 and 0.01. For example, the
F-distribution and Mann-Whitney U tables provided in the textbook are specifically for α=0.05 and
α=0.01.
b) A Type I error is made by rejecting the null hypothesis when it is in fact true.
True.
By definition, a Type I error (represented by the symbol α) occurs when a researcher concludes there
is a significant effect and rejects the null hypothesis, despite the null hypothesis being true in the
actual population.
c) If you get a negative value for the F-test, this means the test statistic falls inside the rejection
area.
False.
An F-test statistic cannot be negative. The F-ratio is calculated as the ratio of two variances (Mean
Squares), and since variances are squared values, they are always positive. Consequently, any
calculated F-value must be zero or greater.
1.2. State whether the following alternative hypothesis are nondirectional or directional. Justify
your answer.
a) A notable difference exists in the attitudes of students registered for semester 1 compared to
those registered for semester 2 at UNISA.
Nondirectional.
This hypothesis states that a difference exists but does not specify the nature or direction of that
difference (e.g., it does not say which group has more positive attitudes).
b) Consistent interaction with course content is associated with improved academic
achievement.
Directional.
This hypothesis specifies a positive direction for the relationship. It predicts that as interaction
increases, academic achievement also "improves" (increases), rather than just stating that a
relationship exists.
QUESTION 1
1.1. Indicate whether the following statements are True or False. Motivate your answer.
a) For this module, the level of significance is always given as 0,001.
False.
The level of significance (α) is not fixed at 0.001; it typically varies depending on the research
context. Common levels used in statistical tables for this text include 0.05 and 0.01. For example, the
F-distribution and Mann-Whitney U tables provided in the textbook are specifically for α=0.05 and
α=0.01.
b) A Type I error is made by rejecting the null hypothesis when it is in fact true.
True.
By definition, a Type I error (represented by the symbol α) occurs when a researcher concludes there
is a significant effect and rejects the null hypothesis, despite the null hypothesis being true in the
actual population.
c) If you get a negative value for the F-test, this means the test statistic falls inside the rejection
area.
False.
An F-test statistic cannot be negative. The F-ratio is calculated as the ratio of two variances (Mean
Squares), and since variances are squared values, they are always positive. Consequently, any
calculated F-value must be zero or greater.
1.2. State whether the following alternative hypothesis are nondirectional or directional. Justify
your answer.
a) A notable difference exists in the attitudes of students registered for semester 1 compared to
those registered for semester 2 at UNISA.
Nondirectional.
This hypothesis states that a difference exists but does not specify the nature or direction of that
difference (e.g., it does not say which group has more positive attitudes).
b) Consistent interaction with course content is associated with improved academic
achievement.
Directional.
This hypothesis specifies a positive direction for the relationship. It predicts that as interaction
increases, academic achievement also "improves" (increases), rather than just stating that a
relationship exists.
