“Male and female students perform equally well in a numerical aptitude test.”…
2015
“Male and female students perform equally well in a numerical aptitude test.” This statement most specifically indicates which type of hypothesis?
Answer: B. null hypothesis — ConceptA null hypothesis states that there is no effect, no difference, or equality between population parameters. It provides the default claim tested…
- A.
research hypothesis
- B.
null hypothesis
- C.
directional hypothesis
- D.
statistical hypothesis
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Concept
A null hypothesis states that there is no effect, no difference, or equality between population parameters. It provides the default claim tested against an alternative hypothesis.
Equality is represented statistically by a zero difference, such as μ1 − μ2 = 0, or equivalently μ1 = μ2.
Application
The statement says that male and female students perform equally well. In parameter form, it asserts μmale = μfemale, so the difference between the two population means is zero.
Contrast
Research hypothesis: expresses an anticipated relationship or effect in substantive terms.
Directional hypothesis: predicts which group will score higher or lower.
Statistical hypothesis: is the broader class of testable claims about population parameters; the equality form here is specifically the null form.
Therefore, the statement represents a null hypothesis.