Rejection of a true null hypothesis is?

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2019

Explanation

A Type I error occurs when a researcher rejects a null hypothesis (H0) that is, in fact, true.
This type of error is also known as an alpha (α) error or a "false positive.".
The probability of committing a Type I error is determined by the significance level (alpha) set by the researcher, typically 0.05 (or 5%) in nursing studies.
This means the researcher accepts a 5% risk of concluding that a difference or relationship exists when it actually does not.

Option B: A Type II error is the failure to reject a null hypothesis that is actually false. It is the opposite of the scenario described in the question.
Option C: Sampling error refers to the natural discrepancy between a sample statistic and the true population parameter. It is a feature of using samples, not an error in the hypothesis testing decision process.
Option D: This option is incorrect because a specific term, Type I error, accurately describes the situation presented in the question.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Types of errors in statistical hypothesis testing as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
In a clinical trial, a Type I error could lead to approving and implementing a new nursing intervention or drug that is actually ineffective, wasting resources and potentially delaying access to better treatments.
Conversely, a Type II error could lead to abandoning a new intervention that is actually effective, preventing patients from receiving beneficial care.
Nurses who read research must understand these concepts to critically appraise evidence and determine the reliability of study findings before applying them to practice.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of fundamental statistical concepts.
First, identify the key phrases in the question stem: 'Rejection' and 'true null hypothesis'.
Next, recall the definitions of the different types of errors in hypothesis testing.
A Type I error is rejecting a TRUE null hypothesis.
A Type II error is failing to reject a FALSE null hypothesis.
Compare the question's scenario to these definitions. The question directly matches the definition of a Type I error.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 NursingResearch Polit 11e Part 1 p. 404-406

E6 NursingResearch Suresh Sharma 5e Part 2 p. 169-171

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