Question

Define alternative hypothesis

Answer 1

Any hypothesis which is complementary to the null hypothesis is called as the alternative hypothesis and is usually denoted by H₁.

For example: If we want to test the null hypothesis that the population has specified mean µ

i.e., H₀ : µ = µ₀ 

Then the alternative hypothesis could be anyone among the following:

(i) H₁ : µ ≠ µ₀ (µ > or µ < µ₀)

(ii) H₁ : µ > µ₀

(iii) H₁ : µ < µ₀