What type of hypothesis is formulated to challenge the null hypothesis in a study?

The alternative hypothesis is formulated specifically to challenge the null hypothesis in a study. The null hypothesis generally states that there is no effect or no difference, serving as a default position that indicates no change from the established or expected state. In contrast, the alternative hypothesis proposes that there is a statistically significant effect or difference. This hypothesis is what researchers seek to provide evidence for through their experiments or studies. It encompasses various forms, such as stating a specific direction of an effect (one-tailed) or simply indicating that a difference exists (two-tailed). The alternative hypothesis is crucial for statistical testing because it offers a pathway for researchers to disprove the null hypothesis, providing insights into the relationships or effects within the data being studied.