Explain the process of hypothesis testing?

Answer 1

I use a 6-step process. Some add a step, or two, but basically:
1)State a null hypothesis, Ho: µ = a value, or proportion.
State an alternate hypothesis, Ha: µ ╪ the same value or proportion.
This is what you are trying to prove.
2) State your α-risk (how much risk are you willing to take that you might reject Ho when actually it should have been accepted).
3) Find the critical statistic, in the appropriate table, based on your α-risk, sample size, and the type of statistical test.
4)Calculate your test statistic based on your data.
5)Compare your calculated statistic with the critical value. If your calculated value is higher or lower than the critical value, depending on Ha, then the Ho cannot be accepted in favor of Ha.
6) Write up your results. Follow through with another test if necessary.

Answer 2

A hypothesis is a tentative explanation of something you observe. In order to be a valid hypothesis, you must be able to design some kind of experiment that will test your hypothesis. The results of your experiment will either support the hypothesis, or will disprove or refute the hypothesis. A hypothesis can never be proven to be true. It can be supported by the results of experiments, but that doesn't necessarily make it true. If the results of an experiment refute the hypothesis, then you know that the hypothesis is incorrect and another one must be developed and tested.