The alternative hypothesis typically ________.
A) corresponds to the presumed default state of nature
B) contests the status quo, for which a corrective action may be required
C) states the probability of rejecting the null hypothesis when it is false
D) states the probability of rejecting the null hypothesis when it is true

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The alternative hypothesis is the one that contests (or contradicts) the null hypothesis, which represents the status quo or the absence of a difference or effect. The alternative hypothesis is usually formulated as the hypothesis of interest, which suggests the presence of a relationship, effect, or significant difference in the population under investigation. Therefore, it may require a corrective action, further investigation, or rejection of the null hypothesis to support the alternative hypothesis. Option A is incorrect because the default state of nature is usually represented by the null hypothesis. Option C is incorrect because it refers to the power of the statistical test, which depends on both the level of significance and the effect size, and is not equivalent to the alternative hypothesis. Option D is incorrect because if the null hypothesis is true, it should not be rejected (i.e., retained or accepted), and the probability of rejecting it when it is true is zero.

The Alternative Hypothesis Typically ________