Lecture 16: The side of a test

November 5th, 2024 (9th week of classes)

One-sided versus Two-sided tests

Understanding the differences between one-sided and two-sided statistical hypothesis testing is essential. Typically, statistical users apply two-sided tests, and it’s rare to have a solid rationale for using a one-sided test. So, as a general rule, apply a two-tailed test.

In statistics, we often refer to statistical testing as an “intimate stranger.” I’ll use this lecture as an opportunity to review key concepts in statistical hypothesis testing through the lens of understanding the differences between one- and two-sided tests.

This will be a brief lecture, but it’s crucial for deepening your understanding of statistical inference through hypothesis testing.

Lecture

Slides:

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