Intro Stats · Chapter 8 of 10

One-Sample Hypothesis Tests

Set up null and alternative hypotheses, compute test statistics and p-values, and make one-sample decisions for means and proportions.

Why this chapter matters

Hypothesis tests provide a structured way to judge whether sample evidence is strong enough to challenge a baseline claim.

What you will learn

  • Write valid null and alternative hypotheses for one-parameter questions.
  • Compute and interpret p-values in one-sample z or t tests.
  • Distinguish statistical significance from practical importance.

Lessons in this chapter

  1. Hypothesis testing frameworkFollow a full test workflow from claim to decision.
  2. One-sample tests for meansRun and interpret one-sample t tests with assumptions.
  3. One-sample tests for proportionsRun and interpret one-proportion z tests.
  4. Reading p-values and errorsExplain Type I and Type II errors in context. Read the full guide →

Study task

Test whether an online course completion rate differs from 70% using a one-sample proportion test, then explain the conclusion in plain language.

Chapter checkpoint

A test returns p = 0.03 at alpha = 0.05. What is the decision?

Reject the null hypothesis because the p-value is below the significance level.