English

One optional observation inflates $\alpha$ by $100/\sqrt{n}$ per cent

Statistics Theory 2009-05-07 v3 Statistics Theory

Abstract

For one-sample level α\alpha tests ψm\psi_m based on independent observations X1,...,XmX_1,...,X_m, we prove an asymptotic formula for the actual level of the test rejecting if at least one of the tests ψn,...,ψn+k\psi_{n},...,\psi_{n+k} would reject. For k=1k=1 and usual tests at usual levels α\alpha, the result is approximately summarized by the title of this paper. Our method of proof, relying on some second order asymptotic statistics as developed by Pfanzagl and Wefelmeyer, might also be useful for proper sequential analysis. A simple and elementary alternative proof is given for k=1k=1 in the special case of the Gauss test.

Cite

@article{arxiv.0710.5154,
  title  = {One optional observation inflates $\alpha$ by $100/\sqrt{n}$ per cent},
  author = {Lutz Mattner},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:0710.5154},
  year   = {2009}
}

Comments

17 pages. Introduction sligthly extended, typos corrected, references linked. To appear in Metrika

R2 v1 2026-06-21T09:36:59.461Z