When Should a Researcher Decide Whether an Alternative Hypothesis Should

Multiple Choice

When should a researcher decide whether an alternative hypothesis should be one-sided or two-sided?

A) Before collecting the data.
B) While the data are being collected, and a pattern begins to emerge.
C) After the data have been collected and the researcher has had a chance to summarize them to see what direction the results may take.
D) No single rule will apply to all situations; each one is different.