## 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 $$37.0^\circ\text{C}$$ ($$\bar{x} = 36.81$$; $$n=130$$; 95% CI from 36.73$$^\circ$$C to 36.88$$^\circ$$C).

The components are:

• The answer to the RQ: ‘The sample provides very strong evidence… that the population mean body temperature is not $$37.0^\circ\text{C}$$.’
• The evidence used to reach the conclusion: ‘$$t=-5.45$$; two-tailed $$P<0.001$$.’
• Some sample summary information (including a CI): ‘$$\bar{x} = 36.81$$; $$n=130$$; 95% CI from 36.73$$^\circ$$C to 36.88$$^\circ$$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.