Question

Which statement is not correct about the null hypothesis?

• A. It is always the hypothesis tested.
• B. Accepting the null hypothesis will lead to some changes in opinions or action.
• C. It can never be accepted based on a single statistical test.
• D. In research, the null hypothesis is formulated in such a way that rejection leads to the acceptance of the desired conclusion.

Hint:

Failing to reject $H_0$ means no evidence for change; it does not mean proving $H_0$ true.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the null hypothesis.
The null hypothesis ($H_0$) is a statement of no effect, no difference, or status quo. It is tested directly in hypothesis testing.
Step 2: Analyzing each option.
(a) Correct — $H_0$ is always tested directly; $H_1$ is supported if $H_0$ is rejected.
(b) Incorrect — Accepting $H_0$ means we do not have enough evidence for change; opinions/actions remain the same.
(c) Correct — One statistical test cannot “prove” $H_0$; it can only fail to reject it.
(d) Correct — Often in research, $H_0$ is set so that rejecting it supports the desired research conclusion. \[ \boxed{(b)} \]