ABSTRACT
Chapter 4 discusses probability in the context of statistical inference and describes the conceptual basis for sampling distributions and the standard error. The chapter then explains how these concepts can be applied to generate confidence intervals and test hypotheses. In addition, the chapter also provides an introduction to the theory behind null hypothesis significance testing and an example of how this general approach can be applied to determine whether an observed effect is statistically significant. The limitations of null hypothesis significance testing are also discussed. Finally, the chapter introduces the concept of statistical power and describes factors that influence statistical power. This chapter provides the foundation for the inferential procedures discussed in the following chapters.
