Hypothesis in Research: Definition, Types And Importance !

Table of Contents

What is Hypothesis?

Hypothesis is a logical prediction of certain occurrences without the support of empirical confirmation or evidence.
In scientific terms, it is a tentative theory or testable statement about the relationship between two or more variables i.e. independent and dependent variable.

Different Types of Hypothesis:

1. Simple Hypothesis:

A Simple hypothesis is also known as composite hypothesis.
In simple hypothesis all parameters of the distribution are specified.
It predicts relationship between two variables i.e. the dependent and the independent variable

2. Complex Hypothesis:

A Complex hypothesis examines relationship between two or more independent variables and two or more dependent variables.

3. Working or Research Hypothesis:

A research hypothesis is a specific, clear prediction about the possible outcome of a scientific research study based on specific factors of the population.

4. Null Hypothesis:

A null hypothesis is a general statement which states no relationship between two variables or two phenomena. It is usually denoted by H₀.

5. Alternative Hypothesis:

An alternative hypothesis is a statement which states some statistical significance between two phenomena. It is usually denoted by H₁or H_A.

6. Logical Hypothesis:

A logical hypothesis is a planned explanation holding limited evidence.

7. Statistical Hypothesis:

A statistical hypothesis, sometimes called confirmatory data analysis, is an assumption about a population parameter.

Although there are different types of hypothesis, the most commonly and used hypothesis are Null hypothesis and alternate hypothesis. So, what is the difference between null hypothesis and alternate hypothesis? Let’s have a look:

Major Differences Between Null Hypothesis and Alternative Hypothesis:

Null hypothesis	Alternative hypothesis
A null hypothesis represents the hypothesis that there is “no relationship” or “no association” or “no difference” between two variables.	An alternative hypothesis is the opposite of the null hypothesis where we can find some statistical importance or relationship between two variables.
In case of null hypothesis, researcher tries to invalidate or reject the hypothesis.	In an alternative hypothesis, the researcher wants to show or prove some relationship between variables.
It is an assumption that specifies a possible truth to an event where there is absence of an effect.	It is an assumption that describes an alternative truth where there is some effect or some difference.
Null hypothesis is a statement that signifies no change, no effect and no any differences between variables.	Alternative hypothesis is a statement that signifies some change, some effect and some differences between variables.
If null hypothesis is true, any discrepancy between observed data and the hypothesis is only due to chance.	If alternative hypothesis is true, the observed discrepancy between the observed data and the null hypothesis is not due to chance.
A null hypothesis is denoted as H₀.	An alternative hypothesis is denoted as H₁ or H_A.
Example of null hypothesis: There is no association between use of oral contraceptive and blood cancer H₀: µ = 0	Example of an alternative hypothesis: There is no association between use of oral contraceptive and blood cancer H_A: µ ≠ 0

Importance of Hypothesis:

It ensures the entire research methodologies are scientific and valid.
It helps to assume the probability of research failure and progress.
It helps to provide link to the underlying theory and specific research question.
It helps in data analysis and measure the validity and reliability of the research.
It provides a basis or evidence to prove the validity of the research.
It helps to describe research study in concrete terms rather than theoretical terms.