null/alternative hypotheses

Definition

Null hypothesis refers to assuming there is no significant relationship or difference between variables, while alternative hypothesis suggests otherwise based on available evidence or theories.

Analogy

Imagine you are trying to prove that a new study method is better than the traditional one. The null hypothesis is like assuming there is no difference between the two methods, while the alternative hypothesis is like suggesting that the new method actually improves learning outcomes.

Related terms

Type II Error: This occurs when we fail to reject the null hypothesis even though it is false.

One-tailed Test: A statistical test where we only consider deviations in one direction from the null hypothesis.

Two-tailed Test: A statistical test where we consider deviations in both directions from the null hypothesis.