What is a hypothesis and its types?
A hypothesis is a statement that can be tested through scientific research, representing a proposed explanation for a phenomenon or a prediction about relationships between variables. There are several types of hypotheses, each with a distinct purpose and use. Below is the outline of the major types of hypotheses in detail: 1. Null Hypothesis (H₀) The Null Hypothesis states that there is no effect or no relationship between the variables being studied. It is used to test whether any observed effects in a study are due to chance. Purpose : The null hypothesis serves as a starting point for testing and provides a benchmark against which the actual outcomes are compared. Example : In a study testing a new drug, the null hypothesis might state that "There is no difference in the effectiveness of the new drug compared to a placebo." 2. Alternative Hypothesis (H₁ or Hₐ) The Alternative Hypothesis states that there is an effect or a relationship between the variables. It is what ...