A researcher is interested in determining whether wealth predicts happiness in college students. To find out, the researcher samples 402 students in order to conduct a regression analysis. Preliminary data analyses reveal the following: r = +0.2; SSₓᵧ = 2, SSₓ = 10, SSᵧ = 10. Assume that wealth and happiness were both measured on a self-report scale with possible values of 1-100 and the mean wealth value was 50 and the mean happiness value was 50.
What should you decide?
- Prove the alternative (research) hypothesis
- Prove the null hypothesis
- Retain the null hypothesis
- Reject the null hypothesis