Question

Describe how to write the null and alternative hypotheses based on a claim. Provide at least one example to clarify your explanation.

Answer 1

Answer:

Set up H0 and H1 and Label the Claim: ((See “Tail Types…” right))
Note: Always use the statement of equality ("=") in Ho, regardless of circumstances.
a) The Null Hypothesis Ho: Always use the statement of equality ("="), either directly or implied, in the NULL Hypothesis Ho.
b) The Alternate hypothesis H1: Always use "<",">" or "?" in H1.
c) Some Special cases:
i) If the claim is equality, H0 uses "=" and H1 uses "?".
ii) If the problem statement contains = (such as “at least”), use “<” in the alternate hypothesis (< is the opposite of =). Still use “=” in the null hypothesis.
iii) If the problem statement contains = (such as “at most”), use “>” in the alternate hypothesis (> is the opposite of =). Still use “=” in the null hypothesis.
d) The Claim: The problem statement should contain the intended claim (if not, use the Alternate Hypothesis, H1, as the claim). Label Ho or H1 as the claim since it is needed for the final conclusion