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 8. It is hoped That the new formula may reduce this infestation rate. State the appropriate null and alternate
Hypotheses.

Question

A) $H _ { 0 } : \mu = 8 , H _ { 1 } : \mu \neq 8$
B) $H _ { 0 } : \mu = 8 , H _ { 1 } : \mu < 8$
C) $H _ { 0 } : \mu < 8 , H _ { 1 } : \mu = 8$
D) $H _ { 0 } : \mu < 8 , H _ { 1 } : \mu > 8$

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The null hypothesis states that the mean number of beetles per plant is 8, while the alternative hypothesis states that the mean number is less than 8. This is because the aim of the new formula is to reduce the infestation rate, so the alternative hypothesis should reflect this by being one-tailed in the direction of reduction. The option A is not appropriate because it is two-tailed and does not reflect the aim of the new formula. The options C and D are also not appropriate because they do not reflect the aim of the new formula to reduce the infestation rate.

A New Organic Pest Control Formula Is Being Tested on Potato