Type I error (false positive)
What Type I error (false positive) means in Psychology A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definition of Type I error (false positive)
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Type I error (false positive) in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
The null hypothesis is rejected when it is in fact true, so an effect is claimed that does not exist, and it gets likelier if the level is relaxed.
Topics that use Type I error (false positive)
- Inferential testing (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- Calculated value versus critical value
- Critical values, N and degrees of freedom
- Experimental design: related and unrelated
- level of measurement
- Level of significance and the 5% convention
- Null hypothesis and alternative hypothesis
- one tailed and two tailed tests
- Parametric assumptions
Using Type I error (false positive) in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Psychology questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge