Question

1. what does the null hypothesis (h₀) typically assert in hypothesis testing?

a. there is no effect or difference.
b. there is a significant effect or difference.
c. the sample data does not agree with the population data.
d. the p - value is less than the significance level.

Explanation:

In hypothesis testing, the null hypothesis ($H_0$) is a statement of no difference or no effect. It serves as the baseline assumption that researchers aim to test against an alternative hypothesis ($H_1$). For example, if testing whether a new drug is effective, $H_0$ might state that the drug has no effect (i.e., no difference in outcomes between the drug - treated and placebo groups). Option b is incorrect because it describes the alternative hypothesis in many cases. Option c is not a general assertion of the null hypothesis. Option d is a condition for rejecting the null hypothesis, not what the null hypothesis itself asserts.

Answer:

A. There is no effect or difference.