SAMPLE STATISTICS: mean wrist breadth (x bar)=8.91cm, size (n)=72 men.
POPULATION STATISTIC: standard deviation (σ)=0.36cm.
CLAIM: Men have mean wrist breadths=9cm.
COUNTERCLAIM: Men have mean wrist breadths not equal to 9cm.
SIGNIFICANCE LEVEL: ɑ=0.01 (99% confidence level)
Null hypothesis, H₀: µ=9 (claim)
Alternative hypothesis, H₁: µ≠9(counterclaim)
This is a 2-tail test.
TEST STATISTIC: Z=(x bar-µ)/(σ/√n)=(8.91-9)/(0.36/√72)=-2.121, corresponding to a P-value of 0.017. Because we have a 2-tail test we compare this value with 0.005 because the tail probability is divided equally by the two tails. Since 0.017>0.005, we fail to reject the null hypothesis, so we have insufficient evidence to support or counter the claim.