The alternative hypothesis in a two-tailed significance test of correlation states that
A)a correlation exists in the population.
B)no correlation exists in the population.
C)a positive correlation exists in the population.
D)a negative correlation exists in the population.

Question

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The alternative hypothesis always states that there is a relationship between the variables being analyzed. In the case of a correlation test, this means that there is a correlation in the population, regardless of whether it is positive or negative. The null hypothesis, on the other hand, states that there is no correlation. The two-tailed test allows for the possibility of either a positive or negative correlation, so the alternative hypothesis must reflect that possibility.

The Alternative Hypothesis in a Two-Tailed Significance Test of Correlation