American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What does an alternate hypothesis suggest?

1. There is no difference between the groups tested.

2. That the research expects to support an observed effect as genuine.

3. That all outcomes are random.

4. That the data will show significant variability.

The correct answer is: That the research expects to support an observed effect as genuine.

An alternate hypothesis proposes that there is a genuine effect or difference observable in the data being analyzed. It serves as a statement reflecting what the researcher aims to validate through their analysis. When conducting hypothesis testing, the alternate hypothesis is often what researchers aspire to provide evidence for, suggesting that any observed effect in the sample data is likely a true reflection of the broader population rather than due to random chance. In the context of statistical testing, if the null hypothesis—which typically states that there is no effect or difference—is rejected, this lends support to the alternate hypothesis. For instance, in a study comparing two groups, the alternate hypothesis would suggest that there is a statistically significant difference between these groups, rather than simply concluding that their differences could be random fluctuations in the data. This understanding is crucial for researchers who want to validate their assumptions and findings, as the alternate hypothesis acts as the foundation for identifying and supporting any claimed effects or relationships in the data.