A randomized controlled trial compares the efficacy of two antibiotics for treating community-acquired pneumonia. The null hypothesis for this study would be:
- A The two antibiotics have different efficacy
- B Antibiotic A is superior to Antibiotic B
- C The two antibiotics have equal efficacy ✓
- D Antibiotic B is superior to Antibiotic A
Correct answer: C. The two antibiotics have equal efficacy
Explanation
The null hypothesis always states that there is no difference or no effect. It assumes equality between groups. The alternative hypothesis states the expected difference or association. Options B and D represent one-tailed alternative hypotheses. The null hypothesis is the default position that the statistical test attempts to reject.
Reference: Methods in Biostatistics, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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