A new organic pest control formula is being tested on potato plants to see whether it can reduce the level of potato beetle infestation. The mean number of beetles per untreated
Plant is 7. It is hoped that the new formula may reduce this infestation rate. State the
Appropriate null and alternate hypotheses.

Question

A new organic pest control formula is being tested on potato plants to see whether it can reduce the level of potato beetle infestation. The mean number of beetles per untreated
Plant is 7. It is hoped that the new formula may reduce this infestation rate. State the
Appropriate null and alternate hypotheses. 
A) $H _ { 0 } : \mu = 7 , H _ { 1 } : \mu < 7$
B) $H _ { 0 } : \mu < 7 , H _ { 1 } : \mu > 7$
C) $H _ { 0 } : \mu < 7 , H _ { 1 } : \mu = 7$
D) $H _ { 0 } : \mu = 7 , H _ { 1 } : \mu \neq 7$

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The null hypothesis ($H_0$) represents the status quo or no change scenario, which in this case is the mean number of beetles per plant being 7 ($\mu = 7$). The alternate hypothesis ($H_1$) represents the expected outcome if the new formula is effective, aiming for a reduction in the mean number of beetles per plant ($\mu < 7$).

A New Organic Pest Control Formula Is Being Tested on Potato