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Question 696
Statistics → Epidemiology
Classification
Question
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Null hypothesis
Question Stem
Researchers compare an intervention with standard management. Which statement represents the null hypothesis?
Options
A
The intervention provides a clinically important benefit
B
The two groups differ significantly
C
There is no difference between the two groups
D
The intervention is equivalent to standard management
E
The alternative hypothesis must be rejected
Explanation
The null hypothesis states that there is no difference between the two sets of observations being compared. The alternative hypothesis proposes that a difference exists. A sufficiently small P value, conventionally below 0.05 in this context, provides grounds for rejecting the null hypothesis.
Option Validity
A) this proposes a treatment effect rather than no difference.
B) this represents evidence against the null hypothesis.
D) formal equivalence is not the same as the null hypothesis of no difference.
E) the alternative hypothesis is not defined by an obligation to reject it.
Further Reading
Review null and alternative hypotheses and the conventional interpretation of P < 0.05.