In testing a hypothesis,statements for the null and alternative hypotheses as well as the selection of the level of significance should precede the collection and examination of the data.

Null Hypothesis

A default hypothesis that there is no significant difference or relationship, serving as the basis for statistical testing.

Alternative Hypothesis

It is a statement that suggests there is a difference or effect in the population parameters being studied, contradicting the null hypothesis.

Level of Significance

Refers to the probability threshold below which the null hypothesis is rejected, indicating the degree of evidence required to conclude that an effect is statistically significant.