methods: hypothesis

Question 1

what is an experimental hypothesis?

Answer 1

• it’s a prediction of what is likely to happen in the investigation
• based on previous knowledge, research, or theory
• it is a type of alternative hypothesis
• a clear and precise statement predicting the results of the experiment

Question 2

what is a directional hypothesis?

Answer 2

• predicts a specific outcome
• based on strong evidence or a robust theory

Question 3

when would a directional hypothesis be used in an experiment?

Answer 3

• when we are certain of the outcome
• based on strong evidence or a robust theory

Question 4

what is a non-directional hypothesis?

Answer 4

• predicts that a difference or relationship will be found
• does not specify the direction of the difference or relationship

Question 5

when would a non-directional hypothesis be used in an experiment?

Answer 5

• when the outcome of the experiment is uncertain
• due to conflicting theories or lack of evidence

Question 6

what is a null hypothesis?

Answer 6

• a default prediction
• supported if results are likely to have occurred by chance

Question 7

when do we use a null hypothesis in research?

Answer 7

• when the difference or relationship found is too small or insignificant
• to account for results that may occur due to chance variation

Question 8

what happens if the results of an experiment are too small to be significant?

Answer 8

• the null hypothesis is supported
• the difference or relationship may be due to chance