Statistics: Empirical Rule and Hypothesis Testing – Due Feb 6 @ 3pm ET

Question 1: When our data aligns to the characteristics of normal distribution, it maintains specific properties that help us interpret results and make decisions. 

Respond to the following in a minimum of 175 words:

• Discuss a situation where you can collect data, and the data the Empirical Rule applies, meaning that the data representing this situation follows a normal distribution. You are encouraged to conduct research using the internet to discover a situation that fits this criteria. 
• Citing your source, discuss what specifically leads you to believe this situation follows the Empirical Rule. What statistical analysis benefits exist because the situation has data that is distributed normally?

Question 2: Hypothesis testing allows us to use an analytical process to determine if a hypothesis is retained OR rejected. This process compares a null hypothesis (HO), which states things as we believe they are, to an alternative hypothesis (HA), which proposes a change to what we believe exists. 

Respond to the following in a minimum of 175 words: 

• Discuss the concepts of hypothesis testing, including what you are evaluating, when it should be used, and the differences between a one- and a two-tailed test. 
• Describe an example from your own personal or professional experiences where you could apply a hypothesis test, and discuss how knowing that information helped you.