Hypothesis Testing for the Mean (sd is Known)

z -TEST FOR A MEAN M

The z@test for a mean M is a statistical test for a population mean. The test
statistic is the sample mean x. The standardized test statistic is
x - m
z = Standardized test statistic for m (s known)
s  1n
when these conditions are met.
1. The sample is random.
2. At least one of the following is true: The population is normally distributed
or n Ú 30.
Recall that s  1n is the standard error of the mean, sx.

GUIDELINES
Using P@Values for a z@Test for a Mean M (S Known)
IN WORDS IN SYMBOLS
1. Verify that s is known, the
sample is random, and either the
population is normally distributed
or n Ú 30.
2. State the claim mathematically State H0 and Ha.
and verbally. Identify the null
and alternative hypotheses.
3. Specify the level of significance. Identify a.
x - m
4. Find the standardized test statistic. z =
s  1n
5. Find the area that corresponds to z. Use z table

6. Find the P@value.

a. For a left-tailed test, P = 1Area in left tail2.
b. For a right-tailed test, P = 1Area in right tail2.
c. For a two-tailed test, P = 21Area in tail of standardized test statistic2.
7. Make a decision to reject or fail If P … a, then reject H0.
to reject the null hypothesis. Otherwise, fail to
reject H0.
8. Interpret the decision in the
context of the original claim.

To use a P@value to make a decision in a hypothesis test, compare the P@value with a.

1. If P … a, then reject H0.

2. If P 7 a, then fail to reject H0.

After determining the hypothesis test’s standardized test statistic and the standardized test statistic’s
corresponding area, do one of the following to find the P@value.

a. For a left-tailed test, P = (Area in left tail).

b. For a right-tailed test, P = (Area in right tail).
c. For a two-tailed test, P = 2(Area in tail of standardized test statistic).
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EXAMPLE
Finding a P-Value for a Left-Tailed Test
Find the P@value for a left-tailed hypothesis test with a standardized test statistic of
z = -2.23. Decide whether to reject H0 when the level of significance is a = 0.01.

The area to the left Solution

of z = −2.23 is The figure at the left shows the standard normal curve with a shaded area to
P = 0.0129. the left of z = -2.23. For a left-tailed test,
P = 1Area in left tail2.
The area corresponding to z = -2.23 is 0.0129, which is the area in the left
tail. So, the P@value for a left-tailed hypothesis test
z with a standardized test statistic of z = -2.23 is P = 0.0129.
−3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3
Interpretation Because the P@value of 0.0129 is greater than 0.01, you fail to
z = −2.23
reject H0.
Left-Tailed Test
.

EXAMPLE Finding a P-Value for a Two-Tailed Test

Find the P@value for a two-tailed hypothesis test with a standardized test statistic of
z = 2.14. Decide whether to reject H0 when the level of significance is a = 0.05.

The area to the right Solution

of z = 2.14 is 0.0162, so The figure at the left shows the standard normal curve with shaded areas to the
P = 2(0.0162) = 0.0324.
left of z = -2.14 and to the right of z = 2.14. For a two-tailed test,
P = 21Area in tail of standardized test statistic2.
Using Table 4, the area corresponding to z = 2.14 is 0.9838. The area in the
right tail is 1 - 0.9838 = 0.0162. So, the P@value for a two-tailed hypothesis
z test with a standardized test statistic of z = 2.14 is
−3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3
z = 2.14 P = 210.01622 = 0.0324.

Two-Tailed Test Interpretation Because the P@value of 0.0324 is less than 0.05, you reject H0.
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EXAMPLE

Hypothesis Testing Using a P-Value

In auto racing, a pit stop is where a racing vehicle stops for new tires, fuel, repairs, and other mechanical
adjustments. The efficiency of a pit crew that makes these adjustments can affect the outcome of a race. A pit crew
claims that its mean pit stop time (for 4 new tires and fuel) is less than 13 seconds. A random sample of 32 pit
stop times has a sample mean of 12.9 seconds. Assume the population standard deviation is 0.19 second. Is there
enough evidence to support the claim at a = 0.01? Use a P@value.
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EXAMPLE
Hypothesis Testing Using a P-Value
According to a study, the mean cost of bariatric (weight loss) surgery is $21,500. You think this information
is incorrect. You randomly select 25 bariatric surgery patients and find that the mean cost for their surgeries is
$20,695. From past studies, the population standard deviation is known to be $2250 and the population is normally
distributed. Is there enough evidence to support your claim at a = 0.05? Use a P@value. (Adapted from The American
Journal of Managed Care)
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