Many questions in research can be expressed as two competing statements about the population parameter. These two statements are called the null and the alternative hypotheses. Usually, the researcher hopes the sample evidence will be in favor of the alternative hypothesis, the new theory. It is important to be able to state the theories that are being put to the test.

As of 2022, 6% of the US population identify themselves as vegetarians. We anticipate that this rate is higher among college students in the US. Based on a random sample of 500 college students, 8% identified as vegetarians.

Which of the following is a complete definition of the unknown parameter ?

Choice 1 of 3: The proportion of people who identify as vegetarians.Choice 2 of 3: The proportion of the US population who identify as vegetarians.Choice 3 of 3: The proportion of all college students in the US who identify as vegetarians.