ConceptConceptDocsDocuments

AP Statistics 4.5.B Interpreting Mean-Test p-Values

Practise interpreting p-values for population-mean tests by conditioning on the null hypothesis and matching extremeness to one- or two-sided alternatives.

Syllabus
Effective Fall 2026
Course
AP Statistics

Exam points

  • State the chance, assuming the null is true, of a result at least as extreme in the alternative direction.
  • For a symmetric test statistic, double a one-sided p-value when the corresponding test is two-sided.

4.5.B—Interpret the p-value of a hypothesis test for a population mean or population mean difference question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

Past studies indicate that the average number of acres of wildland burned per wildfire each year in the United States is 170 acres. A forest ranger believes that the average might now be greater. A random sample of wildfires was surveyed. With H0:μ=170H_{0}: \mu=170 and Ha:μ>170H_{\mathrm{a}}: \mu>170, the p-value of the test is 0.022 . Which of the following is a correct interpretation of the p-value?

A

0.022 is the probability the population mean is greater than the one obtained by the ranger.

B

0.022 is the probability of obtaining a sample mean as large as or larger than the one obtained by the ranger.

C

If it is true that the average number of acres of wildland burned per wildfire each year in the United States is 170 acres, 0.022 is the probability of obtaining a sample mean as large as or larger than 170.

D

If it is true that the average number of acres of wildland burned per wildfire each year in the United States is 170 acres, 0.022 is the probability of obtaining a sample mean as large as or larger than the one obtained by the ranger.

All question bank results loaded