The Discussion for this session addresses a concept mentioned in this week's readings: The nature of Hypothesis tests in research, TypeI and II Errors and Null Hypotheses. Please take a look at the following short article. It draws a comparison between the judicial system in the United States and staistical hypothesis testing. Type I and Type II Errors Within probability and statistics are amazing applications with profound or unexpected results. http://www.intuitor.com/statistics/T1T2Errors.html

This page explores type I and type II errors.

When someone is arrested for a crime, say burglary, and goes to trial, there is an (alternative) hypothesis and a null hypothesis. How could the Jury commit Type I and Type II errors in this situation? In what way does the judicial system guard against a Type I error? Let's say that a company has conducted research to see if it is worthwhile to invest $500 million to build new factory. What would be the consequence if their decision resulted in a Type I Error?