The steps of a one-sample t-test are given below in jumbled order.
(A) Compare the calculated value of t with the table value of t.
(B) State the null hypothesis \(H_0\) and the alternative hypothesis \(H_1\).
(C) Decide whether to reject \(H_0\) and state the conclusion.
(D) Calculate the value of t from the sample.
The correct order of the steps is
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → (B), (D), (A), (C)
The hypotheses come first, because the test value \(\mu_0\) used in t is the value named in \(H_0\): step (B).
Then t is calculated from the sample: step (D).
Only after t is known can it be compared with the table value: step (A).
The decision and conclusion follow from that comparison: step (C).
Why the other options are incorrect
Option (2) (D), (B), (A), (C) — Incorrect. t cannot be calculated before \(H_0\) gives the test value \(\mu_0\).
Option (3) (B), (A), (D), (C) — Incorrect. The comparison is made before the value of t has been calculated.
Option (4) (B), (D), (C), (A) — Incorrect. The decision is taken before t is compared with the table value.