Which is an invalid alternative hypothesis? A)H₁: μ ≠ 18 B)H₁: μ = 18 C)H₁: μ 18 D)H₁: μ

Question

Which is an invalid alternative hypothesis? A)H₁: μ ≠ 18 B)H₁: μ = 18 C)H₁: μ > 18 D)H₁: μ < 18

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An alternative hypothesis cannot be a statement of equality (i.e. "μ = 18"), as it does not provide a direction of difference between the null and alternative hypotheses. The correct alternative hypotheses should reference a direction of difference (e.g. "μ > 18" or "μ < 18") or simply state that there is a difference without specifying a direction (e.g. "μ ≠ 18").

Which Is an Invalid Alternative Hypothesis