Statistical Hypotheses Overview

Research Hypotheses

• Hypotheses provide direction, specificity, and focus for research studies.
• Most hypotheses are based on previous studies or personal/others' observations.

Formulation of Hypothesis

• Hypothesis is derived from "hypo" (tentative/subject to verification) and "thesis" (statement about problem solution).
• The literal meaning of a hypothesis is a tentative statement about the solution to a problem.

Types of Variables

• "Hypo" refers to the composition of two or more variables to be verified.
• "Thesis" refers to the position of these variables in a specific frame of reference.

Types of Hypothesis

• Research hypotheses can be simple or complex.
• A simple hypothesis predicts the relationship between a single independent and a single dependent variable.
• A complex hypothesis predicts the relationship between two or more independent and two or more dependent variables.

Directional Hypotheses

• These hypotheses are derived from theory and imply the researcher is committed to a particular outcome.
• They specify the expected direction of the relationship between variables (e.g., positive or negative).

Non-directional Hypotheses

• Used when there is little or no theory, or previous studies' findings are contradictory.
• These hypotheses imply impartiality, not specifying the direction of the relationship.

Associative Hypotheses

• Propose relationships between variables where one variable changes, and the other changes as well.
• Associative hypotheses do not indicate cause and effect.

Causal Hypotheses

• Propose a cause and effect interaction between two or more variables.
• The independent variable is manipulated to cause an effect on the dependent variable.
• The dependent variable is measured to examine the effect of the manipulated independent variable.

Statistical Hypothesis

• To test a research hypothesis, it needs to be translated into a statistical hypothesis.
• Statistical hypotheses are stated in statistical terms.
• Translating a research hypothesis into a testable form is called a null hypothesis.

Null Hypothesis (H₀)

• Used when a researcher believes there is no relationship between variables or when there isn't sufficient theoretical/empirical information to state a research hypothesis.
• Null hypotheses can be simple or complex.

Alternative Hypothesis (H₁ or H_a)

• A statement about what a hypothesis test aims to establish.
• The alternative hypothesis is the opposite of the null hypothesis.
• It is reached only if the null hypothesis is rejected.
• It frequently represents the researcher's desired conclusion.

This quiz covers the fundamental concepts of statistical hypotheses, including associative, null, and alternative hypotheses. It discusses the roles of independent and dependent variables, and the characteristics of directional and non-directional hypotheses. Test your understanding of how hypotheses are formulated and their implications in research.