What does the alternate hypothesis suggest?

The alternate hypothesis, often denoted as H1 or Ha, posits that there is a significant relationship between two variables. This relationship indicates that changes in one variable are associated with changes in another, suggesting a non-random effect or pattern when examining the data. In a statistical test, the alternate hypothesis is what researchers aim to support; they collect data to demonstrate that the observed effects are not due to chance alone.

Understanding the alternate hypothesis is crucial in the context of hypothesis testing since it serves as a way to confirm that what is being studied is not simply a product of random variation. By framing research around the alternate hypothesis, scientists can design experiments that test this potential relationship, leading to discoveries and advancements in fields like biomedical engineering.