Typically:
If the null hypothesis is correct, then this datum cannot occur.Thus, for example,
It has, however, occurred.
Therefore, the null hypothesis is false.
If a person is a Martian, then he is not a member of Congress.So far, so good. Now, let throw in some uncertainty.
This person is a member of Congress.
Therefore, he is not a Martian.
If the null hypothesis is correct, then these data are highly unlikely.While the above may seem reasonable, and is in fact quite widely misused even in academic literature, the following example highlights the inherent error.
These data have occurred.
Therefore, the null hypothesis is highly unlikely.
If a person is an American, then he is highly unlikely to be a Congressman
This person is a member of Congress.
Therefore, it is highly unlikely that he is an American.
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