Correct option is C
The correct answer is (c) "B, C and D only."
Explanation: When a researcher computes multiple t-tests at the 0.05 significance level, the overall Type I error rate (the probability of incorrectly rejecting a true null hypothesis) increases, leading to an unacceptably high error rate for the total experiment. Specifically, with 10 t-tests, the probability of making at least one Type I error across the tests becomes significant. This increase in error rate is a known issue when conducting multiple comparisons without adjustments, such as the Bonferroni correction.
Information Booster:
1.
Type I Error: Occurs when a true null hypothesis is incorrectly rejected. The probability of committing this error increases with the number of comparisons.
2.
Type II Error: Involves failing to reject a false null hypothesis. While the focus in this question is on Type I error, Type II error is also a critical consideration in hypothesis testing.
3.
Multiple Comparisons Problem: Conducting multiple statistical tests increases the risk of Type I errors. Researchers often adjust significance levels or use corrections to mitigate this risk.
4.
Bonferroni Correction: A method used to counteract the problem of multiple comparisons by adjusting the significance level.
5.
Experiment-Wise Error Rate: The overall probability of making one or more Type I errors across all the tests conducted in an experiment.
6.
Significance Level (Alpha): Typically set at 0.05, it represents the threshold for rejecting the null hypothesis. Multiple tests without correction inflate the overall error rate.
Additional Information:
·
Type II Error: Although important, the overall Type II error rate is not directly addressed in the context of multiple t-tests in this scenario.
·
Significance Levels: Researchers must be cautious when interpreting results from multiple tests, ensuring that the increased risk of Type I errors is accounted for in their analysis.
Key Points:
· Conducting multiple t-tests increases the overall Type I error rate, leading to a higher likelihood of incorrect rejections.
· Proper statistical adjustments are necessary to maintain the integrity of experimental results.
· Understanding the impact of multiple comparisons is crucial for accurate hypothesis testing in research.