what is a type i error 
in statistical research a type 1 error is when the null hypothesis is rejected which incorrectly leads to the study stating that notable differences were found in the variables when actually there were no differences put simply a type i error is a false positive result making a type i error often can t be avoided because of the degree of uncertainty involved a null hypothesis is established during hypothesis testing before a test begins in some cases a type i error assumes there s no cause and effect relationship between the tested item and the stimuli to trigger an outcome to the test 