September 21, 2004
Foul Shots (The Binomial Table)
We used the foul shot example to dig into some details necessary to actually calculate binomial distribution probabilities.
The tables in the back of the book are very helpful, but calculating cumulative probablities for p greater than 0.5 is a challenge.
It is generally a good idea to draw a diagram of the sets of numbers involved. Trying to use formulas without a diagram is risky.
We took the opportunity to apply these calculations to hypothesis testing, which will not be fully considered until after the first midterm.
Our null hypothesis "Ho" is that a player has a 50% probability of making any given foul shot. Our alternative hypothesis is that his probability is 80%. We trying to avoid two possible mistakes.
