Testing the null hypothesis involves several steps:
Define the Hypotheses: Clearly state both the null hypothesis and the alternative hypothesis. Collect Data: Gather data through experiments, clinical trials, or observational studies. Choose a Statistical Test: Select an appropriate statistical test based on the type of data and the research question. Common tests in cancer research include the t-test, chi-square test, and ANOVA. Analyze the Data: Perform the statistical test to calculate the p-value, which indicates the probability of observing the results if the null hypothesis is true. Make a Decision: Compare the p-value to a predetermined significance level (often 0.05). If the p-value is less than the significance level, reject the null hypothesis; otherwise, fail to reject it.
