An Alternative to Student's $t$-Test for Problems with Indifference Zones

Abstract

Consider a sample from a normal population with mean, $\mu$, and variance unknown. Suppose it is desired to test $H_0:\mu \leq \mu_0$ versus $H_1:\mu \geq \mu_1$, with the region $H^I_1:\mu_0 < \mu < \mu_1$ being a (nonempty) indifference zone. It is shown that the usual Student's $t$-test is inadmissible for this problem. An alternative test is proposed. The two sided problem with indifference region is also discussed. By contrast with the above result, the usual Student's $t$-test is admissible here. However the two sided version of the alternative test mentioned above does offer some practical advantages relative to the two sided $t$-test. A 3-decision version of the two sided problem is also discussed. Here the $t$-test is inadmissible, and is dominated by the appropriate version of the alternative test. The results concerning tests are also reformulated as results about confidence procedures.