Decision Rule and Power of a Test | CFA Level 1 - AnalystPrep (2024)

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Decision Rule and Power of a Test | CFA Level 1 - AnalystPrep (2)

quantitative-methods

27 Aug 2019

The decision rule refers to the procedure followed by analysts and researchers when deciding whether to reject or not to reject a null hypothesis. We use the phrase “not to reject” because it is considered statistically incorrect to “accept” a null hypothesis. Rather, we can only assemble enough evidence to support it.

Breaking Down the Decision Rule

The decision to reject or not reject a null hypothesis is based on the distribution the test statistic assumes. This means that if the variable involved follows a normal distribution, we use the level of significance of the test to come up with critical values that lie along the standard normal distribution.

Note that prior to decision making, one must consider whether the test should be one-tailed or two-tailed. This is because the number of tails determines the value of α (significance level). The following is a summary of the decision rules under different scenarios.

Left One-tailed Test

H1: parameter < X

Decision rule: reject H0 if the test statistic is less than the critical value. Otherwise, do not reject H0.

Decision Rule and Power of a Test | CFA Level 1 - AnalystPrep (3)

Right One-tailed Test

H1: parameter > X

Decision rule: reject H0 if the test statistic is greater than the critical value. Otherwise, do not reject H0.

Decision Rule and Power of a Test | CFA Level 1 - AnalystPrep (4)

Two-tailed Test

H1: parameter X (not equal to X)

Decision rule: reject H0 if the test statistic is greater than the upper critical value or less than the lower critical value.

Decision Rule and Power of a Test | CFA Level 1 - AnalystPrep (5)

The Power of a Test

The power of a test is the direct opposite of the level of significance. While the level of significance gives us the probability of rejecting a null hypothesis when it is, in fact, true, the power of a test gives the probability of correctly discrediting and rejecting a null hypothesis when it is false. In other words, it gives the likelihood of rejecting a H0 when indeed, it is false. Expressed mathematically,

$$ \text{Power of a test} = 1 – P(\text{type } II \text{ error}) $$

When presented with a situation where there are multiple test results for the same purpose, it is the test with the highest power that is considered the best.

The Link Between Confidence Interval and Hypothesis Testing

Critical values link confidence intervals and hypothesis tests. For example, to construct a 95% confidence interval assuming a normal distribution, we would need to determine the critical values that correspond to a 5% significance level. Similarly, if we were to conduct a test of some given hypothesis at the 5% significance level, we would use the same critical values used for the confidence interval to subdivide the distribution space into rejection and non-rejection regions.

Example: Hypothesis Testing

A survey carried out using a sample of 50 CFA Level I candidates reveals an average IQ of 105. Assuming that IQs are distributed normally, carry out a statistical test to determine whether the mean IQ is greater than 100. You are instructed to use a 5% level of significance. (Previous studies give a standard deviation of IQs of approximately 20.)

Solution

First, state the hypothesis:

H0: μ = 100 vs H1: μ > 100

Since IQs follow a normal distribution, under \(H_0, \frac {(X’ – 100)}{\left( \frac {\mu}{\sqrt n} \right)} \sim N(0,1)\)

Next, we compute the test statistic, which is \(\frac {(105 – 100)}{\left(\frac {20}{\sqrt {50}} \right)} = 1.768\)

This is a right one-tailed test, and IQs are distributed normally. Therefore, we should compare our test statistic to the upper 5% point of the normal distribution.

From the normal distribution table, this value is 1.6449. Since 1.768 is greater than 1.6449, we have sufficient evidence to reject the H0 at the 5% significance level. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that the mean IQ of CFA candidates is greater than 100.

(Note the choice of words used in the decision-making part and the conclusion.)

Question

Use data from the previous example to carry out a test at 5% significance to determine whether the average IQ of candidates is greater than 102.

  1. There is sufficient evidence to reject the H0 and conclude that the average IQ is greater than 102.
  2. There is insufficient evidence to reject the H0 and therefore it is reasonable to conclude that the average IQ is not more than 102.
  3. There is sufficient evidence to reject the H0 and therefore it is reasonable to conclude that the average IQ is greater than 102.

Solution

The correct answer is B.

Just like in the example above, start with stating the hypothesis;

H0: μ = 100 vs. H1: μ > 102

The test statistic is \(\frac {(105 – 102)}{\left( \frac {20}{\sqrt{50}} \right)} = 1.061\)

Again, this is a right one-tailed test. 1.061 is less than the upper 5% point of a standard normal distribution (1.6449). Therefore, we do not have sufficient evidence to reject the H0 at the 5% level of significance. It is, therefore, reasonable to conclude that the average IQ of CFA candidates is not more than 102.

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    Decision Rule and Power of a Test | CFA Level 1 - AnalystPrep (10)

    Sergio Torrico

    2021-07-23

    Excelente para el FRM 2Escribo esta revisión en español para los hispanohablantes, soy de Bolivia, y utilicé AnalystPrep para dudas y consultas sobre mi preparación para el FRM nivel 2 (lo tomé una sola vez y aprobé muy bien), siempre tuve un soporte claro, directo y rápido, el material sale rápido cuando hay cambios en el temario de GARP, y los ejercicios y exámenes son muy útiles para practicar.

    Decision Rule and Power of a Test | CFA Level 1 - AnalystPrep (11)

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    2021-07-17

    So helpful. I have been using the videos to prepare for the CFA Level II exam. The videos signpost the reading contents, explain the concepts and provide additional context for specific concepts. The fun light-hearted analogies are also a welcome break to some very dry content.I usually watch the videos before going into more in-depth reading and they are a good way to avoid being overwhelmed by the sheer volume of content when you look at the readings.

    Decision Rule and Power of a Test | CFA Level 1 - AnalystPrep (12)

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    2021-07-16

    A great curriculum provider. James sir explains the concept so well that rather than memorising it, you tend to intuitively understand and absorb them. Thank you ! Grateful I saw this at the right time for my CFA prep.

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    2021-06-28

    Very well explained and gives a great insight about topics in a very short time. Glad to have found Professor Forjan's lectures.

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    2021-06-22

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    Decision Rule and Power of a Test | CFA Level 1 - AnalystPrep (2024)

    FAQs

    Decision Rule and Power of a Test | CFA Level 1 - AnalystPrep? ›

    The decision rule refers to the procedure followed by analysts and researchers when deciding whether to reject or not to reject a null hypothesis. We use the phrase “not to reject” because it is considered statistically incorrect to “accept” a null hypothesis. Rather, we can only assemble enough evidence to support it.

    What is the p-value in level 1 CFA? ›

    P-Value in Your CFA Exam

    The p-value is the smallest level of significance at which the null hypothesis can be rejected. Remember, if the p-value is higher than \alpha, we have no reason to reject the null hypothesis and the test is not statistically significant.

    What is the decision rule for at test? ›

    The decision rule, "reject if |t| > critical value associated with α" is equivalent to "reject if p < α." SAS will provide the p-value, the probability that T is more extreme than observed t. The decision rule, "reject if |t| > critical value associated with α" is equivalent to "reject if p < α."

    What is the decision rule in data analysis? ›

    Decision rule is an element (piece) of knowledge, usually in the form of “if-then statement”: if then . If its Condition is satisfied (i.e., matches a fact in the corresponding database of a given problem), then its Action (e.g., classification or decision making) is performed.

    What is the p-value in analystprep? ›

    The p-value is the lowest level of significance at which we can reject a null hypothesis. The probability of coming up with a test statistic would justify our rejection of a null hypothesis, assuming that the null hypothesis is indeed true.

    How tough is CFA level 1? ›

    The Chartered Financial Analyst credential is one of the most demanding exams on Earth when it comes to preparation and study time required. The average pass rate for the CFA Level 1 is only 41%. For Level 2, you're looking at a passage rate of 45%. And Level 3 is not much easier at 52%.

    Does percentile matter in CFA Level 1? ›

    The score needed to pass the exam is approximately 70%. I observed that students who scored near 70 in all subjects passed. There were some cases where a person missed 70 in one subject but still passed. The score required for the 90th percentile is around 85%.

    How do you calculate the decision rule? ›

    The decision rule is based on specific values of the test statistic (e.g., reject H0 if Z > 1.645). The decision rule for a specific test depends on 3 factors: the research or alternative hypothesis, the test statistic and the level of significance.

    What is an example of a decision rule? ›

    A decision rule is a simple IF-THEN statement consisting of a condition (also called antecedent) and a prediction. For example: IF it rains today AND if it is April (condition), THEN it will rain tomorrow (prediction). A single decision rule or a combination of several rules can be used to make predictions.

    What is the decision rule for p-value? ›

    A p-value less than 0.05 is typically considered to be statistically significant, in which case the null hypothesis should be rejected. A p-value greater than 0.05 means that deviation from the null hypothesis is not statistically significant, and the null hypothesis is not rejected.

    What is the most common decision rule? ›

    Simple majority rule means that an agreement is validated when the majority (over 50%) of voting parties support it.

    What is the purpose of the decision rule? ›

    In decision theory, a decision rule is a function which maps an observation to an appropriate action. Decision rules play an important role in the theory of statistics and economics, and are closely related to the concept of a strategy in game theory.

    What are the two types of decision rules? ›

    With respect to the decision part, the following types of decision rules can be distinguished:
    • Exact decision rule: “if [condition], then the object belongs to Yj,” where Yj is a decision class of the considered classification.
    • Approximate decision rule: “if [condition], then the object belongs to Yj 1 or Yj 2 or…

    Is 0.7 a good p-value? ›

    Typically ranging between 0 and 1, values below 0.3 suggest weak influence, while those between 0.3 and 0.5 indicate moderate influence. Values exceeding 0.7 signify a strong effect on the dependent variable.

    Is 0.001 a good p-value? ›

    These numbers can give a false sense of security. Most authors refer to statistically significant as P < 0.05 and statistically highly significant as P < 0.001 (less than one in a thousand chance of being wrong).

    Is 0.9 a good p-value? ›

    He proposed “if P is between 0.1 and 0.9 there is certainly no reason to suspect the hypothesis tested. If it's below 0.02 it is strongly indicated that the hypothesis fails to account for the whole of the facts.

    What p-value is significant at 1 level? ›

    The threshold value, P < 0.05 is arbitrary. As has been said earlier, it was the practice of Fisher to assign P the value of 0.05 as a measure of evidence against null effect. One can make the “significant test” more stringent by moving to 0.01 (1%) or less stringent moving the borderline to 0.10 (10%).

    What is profitability index CFA Level 1? ›

    Level 1 CFA Exam: Definition of Profitability Index

    The profitability index (PI) is the ratio of the present value of future cash inflows to the initial investment. If a project has a PI greater than 1, you should invest in the project. If the PI is lower than 1, then the project is not profitable.

    What is the level p-value? ›

    A p-value less than 0.05 is typically considered to be statistically significant, in which case the null hypothesis should be rejected. A p-value greater than 0.05 means that deviation from the null hypothesis is not statistically significant, and the null hypothesis is not rejected.

    What is a good score in CFA Level 1? ›

    Some years test takers will receive a 65% overall score and fail, while in other years candidates have received a 62% score and passed. How the scoring is weighted plays heavily on how your overall score will turn out. Generally speaking, any score of 70% or higher should be a passing score.

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