To correctly order the steps in hypothesis testing about a single population mean using the normal curve model, follow the standard statistical procedure:
Ordering Hypothesis Testing Steps
The logical sequence for hypothesis testing is as follows:
- Define the target population: Clearly identify the group you are studying. (e)
- Specify Ho and HA: Formulate the null hypothesis (Ho) and the alternative hypothesis (HA). (f)
- Identify α level: Choose the significance level (α), which represents the probability of a Type I error. (d)
- Decide sample size (n) and draw sample: Determine the sample size needed and collect a random sample from the population. (a)
- Calculate sample statistics: Compute the sample mean ($\bar{\text{x}}$) and the standard error of the mean ($\sigma_{\bar{\text{x}}}$). (c)
- Calculate z-score: Determine the test statistic, the z-score, using the sample data and hypothesized population mean. (g)
- Reject/retain Ho: Make a decision based on the calculated z-score relative to the critical value(s) or p-value. (b)
Therefore, the correct order is (e), (f), (d), (a), (c), (g), (b).