Type I error

the error of rejecting the null hypothesis when it is in fact true. Investigators make this error when they believe they have detected an effect or a relationship that does not actually exist. The projected probability of committing a Type I error is called the significance level or alpha (α) level. Also called alpha error; rejection error.

Browse dictionary by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Psychology term of the day

May 8th 2024

divergent thinking

creative thinking in which an individual solves a problem or reaches a decision using strategies that deviate from commonly used or previously taught strategies. This term is often used synonymously with lateral thinking. Compare convergent thinking. [defined in 1967 by Joy Paul Guilford]