An agricultural scientist investigated the relationship between the percentage of organic matter in soil (MMM) and the dry weight biomass yield of wheat crops (YYY) in tonnes per hectare. She sampled 16 fields (N=16N = 16N=16) and calculated Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (rsr_srs) between M M\,M and YYY. Her calculated value was rs=0.650r_s = 0.650rs=0.650.
She concluded that there was a significant positive correlation and rejected her null hypothesis.
Table 1: Critical values for Spearman’s Rho (rsr_srs)
| NNN | Significance level (two-tailed) | |
|---|---|---|
| 0.05 | 0.01 | |
| 14 | 0.544 | 0.715 |
| 15 | 0.521 | 0.661 |
| 16 | 0.503 | 0.635 |
| 17 | 0.485 | 0.615 |
| 18 | 0.472 | 0.597 |
Note: To achieve significance, the calculated value of rs r_s\,rs must be equal to or greater than the critical value in the table.
Define a 'Type I error'. Explain why the scientist believed that the probability of her having made a Type I error was very low.
121 exam-style questions on AQA A Level Psychology Inferential testing (A-level only). Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.