A researcher hypothesizes that there is a difference in level of fear of crime for the elderly and young adults. In conducting an analysis to test this hypothesis, how might the alternative hypothesis be stated? A) H₁: μD = 0 B) H₁: μD ≠ 0 C) H₁: μElderly ≠ μYoung Adults D) H₁: μElderly μYoung Adults

Question

A researcher hypothesizes that there is a difference in level of fear of crime for the elderly and young adults. In conducting an analysis to test this hypothesis, how might the alternative hypothesis be stated? A) H₁: μD = 0 B) H₁: μD ≠ 0 C) H₁: μElderly ≠ μYoung Adults D) H₁: μElderly > μYoung Adults

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The alternative hypothesis needs to state a difference between the two groups being compared, which is stated as μElderly ≠ μYoung Adults. Choice A is incorrect as it is a null hypothesis, not an alternative hypothesis. Choice B is incorrect as it suggests that the alternative hypothesis is testing for a two-tailed difference, which is not stated in the prompt. Choice D is incorrect as it is testing for a specific direction of difference, which is not stated in the prompt.

A Researcher Hypothesizes That There Is a Difference in Level