A Business Professor Conducted a Campus Survey to Estimate Demand

A business professor conducted a campus survey to estimate demand among all students for a protein supplement for smoothies and other nutritional drinks. Each of 113 students, randomly selected from all students on campus, provided the following information: (1) How health conscious are you? (Very, Moderately, Slightly, Not very) (2) Do you prefer protein supplements in your smoothies? (Yes, No) As part of his analysis, the professor claims that whether or not the student prefers a protein supplement in smoothies is independent of health consciousness level (Very, Moderate, Slightly, or Not very) . Identify the appropriate alternative hypothesis that the professor should use in the test of hypothesis he desires.

A) HA: Preference and Health Consciousness level are independent variables.
B) HA: Preference and Health Consciousness level are dependent variables.
C) HA: There is interaction between the Preference and Health Consciousness variables.
D) HA: Preference and Health Consciousness level are mutually exclusive variables.