The applet poses a random word problem about hypothesis testing for the mean of a normal distribution. Entries to the different steps of the solution are entered consecutively by the user in a series of boxes. The applet checks the solution to each step and gives hints as needed. Once the right solution to the step is entered, the applet goes to the next step. Besides the word problem, the site also provides three written theoretical exercises on hypothesis testing. There is a web page with information about conducting a hypothesis test for the mean.
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Tutorial. May also be suitable for classroom discussion
Recommended Uses:
The word problems can be used in a classroom setting or independently. The written exercises can be done independently.
Technical Requirements:
It requires a "Java-enabled" browser.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
This applet is designed to foster a good understanding of hypothesis testing using the z table.
Target Student Population:
Students in statistics courses at the college level.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Familiarity with hypothesis testing for the normal distribution.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The content about hypothesis testing is very accurate. It is presented very clearly. The purpose of the applet is to reinforce the steps needed in hypothesis testing of the mean. With this in mind, all the problems are concise and similar in organization of information so that the student can concentrate on completing the steps.
All of the examples/problems use large samples. The author has included a statement in the applet that the sample standard deviation may be assumed equivalent to that of the population?s. This applet is then appropriate for those elementary statistics texts that use the z values for large samples regardless of knowledge of the population?s standard deviation, and for those that use the z values only when the population?s standard deviation is known.
Concerns:
None.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
By using word problems, the concept of hypothesis testing is presented very clearly and effectively. The use of prompts to assist the user in creating the steps in hypothesis testing in proper sequence is very effective. The applet will supply hints for the correct answer whenever an incorrect result has been entered. There is a good variety of problems, requiring both positive and negative z-values. All of the problems are clearly stated and appropriate for any undergraduate statistics course. There is a variety of possible solutions to the problems, both rejecting and failing to reject the null hypothesis
Concerns:
To enter the critical z-value, a table for the quantiles of the standard normal distribution is needed. This table is not provided in the applet.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The applet is easy to use. The display is aesthetic and visually attractive. The feedback about wrong solutions and hints makes the applet very easy to work with.
Concerns:
None.
Creative Commons:
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