Final Answer:
Developing a null and alternative hypothesis sets the foundation for hypothesis testing by defining the assertions to be tested with collected data, guiding statistical analysis. Constructing a sampling distribution and setting cutoff values follow this initial step in the hypothesis testing process.Thus the correct option is 2).
Step-by-step explanation:
Hypothesis testing involves formulating a null hypothesis (H₀) and an alternative hypothesis (H₁). The null hypothesis typically states that there is no effect, no difference, or no relationship between variables, while the alternative hypothesis suggests the opposite. This initial step is crucial as it sets the groundwork for statistical analysis. The null hypothesis serves as the starting point for testing, allowing for comparison with observed data to assess whether there's enough evidence to reject it in favor of the alternative hypothesis.
Constructing the sampling distribution for the null hypothesis or setting the cutoff value for rejecting the null hypothesis are subsequent steps in hypothesis testing, not the initial ones. Developing the hypotheses is essential as it defines the direction of the study, provides a basis for statistical analysis, and guides the selection of appropriate statistical tests. These hypotheses lay the groundwork for collecting data and conducting analyses to assess the likelihood of observing the obtained results under the assumption that the null hypothesis is true, facilitating inference and decision-making in statistical hypothesis testing. Thus the correct option is 2).