Which hypothesis asserts that any observed difference is not due to random error?

The alternative hypothesis is the statement that asserts that there is a statistically significant effect, relationship, or difference present, and that any observed differences in data are not simply the result of random error. In research, it represents the position that the researcher aims to support and is considered when the null hypothesis is rejected.

When conducting hypothesis testing, the null hypothesis typically posits that there is no effect or no difference, which implies that any variations in the data could be attributed to chance or random sampling errors. In contrast, the alternative hypothesis assumes that the effects observed are genuine and can be attributed to specific causes or treatments rather than occurring randomly.

Understanding this distinction is crucial for interpreting data and forming conclusions based on research findings. The alternative hypothesis guides the research process by framing the question in a way that leads to deeper investigation of the relationships or differences in the data.