Novice students' conceptual knowledge of statistical hypothesis testing

Examination of the statistical literature shows that consensus on definition, terminology, and interpretation of some hypothesis testing concepts is elusive. This makes hypothesis testing a difficult topic to teach and learn. This paper reports on the results of a study of novice students' conceptual knowledge of four hypothesis testing concepts through talking aloud and interview methods. While some students seemed to have a reasonable understanding of some concepts, many students seemed to have more limited understanding. The study explores students' faulty conceptual knowledge.