27.7 Communicating results: One mean
In general, to communicate the results of any hypothesis test, report:
- An answer to the RQ;
- The evidence used to reach that conclusion (such as the t-score and P-value—including if it is a one- or two-tailed P-value); and
- Some sample summary information, including a CI, summarising the data used to make the decision.
So write:
The sample provides very strong evidence (t=−5.45; two-tailed P<0.001) that the population mean body temperature is not 37.0∘C (ˉx=36.81; n=130; 95% CI from 36.73∘C to 36.88∘C).
The components are:
- The answer to the RQ: ‘The sample provides very strong evidence… that the population mean body temperature is not 37.0∘C.’
- The evidence used to reach the conclusion: ‘t=−5.45; two-tailed P<0.001.’
- Some sample summary information (including a CI): ‘ˉx=36.81; n=130; 95% CI from 36.73∘C to 36.88∘C.’
Notice how the conclusion is worded: There is evidence to support the alternative hypothesis. In fact, the alternative hypothesis may or may not be true… but the evidence (data) available supports the alternative hypothesis.