Philosophers postulated that science can never prove a theory, but only disprove it. If we collect 1000 facts that support a theory, it does not mean we have proved it—it is possible that the 1001st p...Philosophers postulated that science can never prove a theory, but only disprove it. If we collect 1000 facts that support a theory, it does not mean we have proved it—it is possible that the 1001st piece of evidence will disprove it. This is why in statistical testing we commonly use two hypotheses. The one we are trying to prove is called the alternative hypothesis (H₁). The other, default one, is called the null hypothesis (H₀).
A hypothesis about the value of a population parameter is an assertion about its value. As in the introductory example we will be concerned with testing the truth of two competing hypotheses, only one...A hypothesis about the value of a population parameter is an assertion about its value. As in the introductory example we will be concerned with testing the truth of two competing hypotheses, only one of which can be true.
