What is more important for the researcher to be concerned about in a study, Type I or Type II errors? Why?
3 answers
If you tell us what you know about type I and type II errors, we'll be glad to help you figure out which is more important for the researcher.
Type II error is based on false negative results, for example in a medical test to regard a person as healthy although in fact he or she is ill. Type I error is based on false positive results it is my understanding that usually both errors lead to wrong results.
Thanks for your explanation. Both errors would lead to wrong results.
However, false negative results would usually have more serious implications than false positive results. A person who is ill, but gets a negative result wouldn't be treated and wouldn't be treated and could possibly die. I'd hope, though, that the physician would continue to look for reasons behind the person's complaint.
The person who is actually healthy but receives a false positive result might undergo treatment -- and unless the treatment is extreme, probably wouldn't suffer because of the treatment.
My own personal story occurred some 75 years ago. My mother received a false negative report that showed she had a venereal disease when she was pregnant. Although it caused consternation for my parents, further testing showed that she did not have a venereal disease -- and all was well.
However, false negative results would usually have more serious implications than false positive results. A person who is ill, but gets a negative result wouldn't be treated and wouldn't be treated and could possibly die. I'd hope, though, that the physician would continue to look for reasons behind the person's complaint.
The person who is actually healthy but receives a false positive result might undergo treatment -- and unless the treatment is extreme, probably wouldn't suffer because of the treatment.
My own personal story occurred some 75 years ago. My mother received a false negative report that showed she had a venereal disease when she was pregnant. Although it caused consternation for my parents, further testing showed that she did not have a venereal disease -- and all was well.
4 answers