Null Hypothesis vs. Alternative Hypothesis — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on December 19, 2023
Null Hypothesis assumes no effect or difference, while Alternative Hypothesis suggests a significant effect or difference.
Difference Between Null Hypothesis and Alternative Hypothesis
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Null Hypothesis serves as the default position in hypothesis testing, asserting that there's no significant difference or effect in the population. This hypothesis is what researchers aim to test against, acting as the status quo or baseline. Alternative Hypothesis, on the other hand, posits the presence of a significant difference or effect. It represents what the researcher aims to prove or support with the collected data.
When conducting hypothesis testing, the goal is often to gather enough evidence to reject the Null Hypothesis in favor of the Alternative Hypothesis. This doesn't mean proving the Null Hypothesis wrong but rather suggesting the Alternative Hypothesis is more plausible given the data. However, it's crucial to recognize that failing to reject the Null Hypothesis doesn't confirm its truth; it simply means the data didn't provide strong enough evidence for the Alternative Hypothesis.
Typically, the results of a test either lead to the rejection of the Null Hypothesis or fail to reject it. If there's strong evidence against the Null Hypothesis, this might indicate the Alternative Hypothesis is true. Conversely, insufficient evidence means the Null Hypothesis remains unchallenged, but it's not the same as accepting or proving it.
Comparison Chart
Basic Assumption
No effect or difference.
A significant effect or difference exists.
Role
Default position; baseline.
Represents what the researcher aims to prove.
ADVERTISEMENT
Relation to Data
Tested against, but not proved.
Supported by the data if significant evidence is found.
Compare with Definitions
Null Hypothesis
Null Hypothesis lacks significant evidence.
In this case, the Null Hypothesis stands as we couldn't find a significant difference in scores.
Alternative Hypothesis
Alternative Hypothesis indicates a difference.
The Alternative Hypothesis suggests that the drug does have an effect.
Null Hypothesis
Null Hypothesis is the default claim.
The Null Hypothesis asserts that the average weight of the products is 50 grams.
Alternative Hypothesis
Alternative Hypothesis suggests inequality.
According to the Alternative Hypothesis, one brand is more popular than the other.
Null Hypothesis
Null Hypothesis assumes no change.
The Null Hypothesis posits that the drug has no effect on patients.
Alternative Hypothesis
Alternative Hypothesis supports significant findings.
Given our data, the Alternative Hypothesis seems plausible as there's a notable difference in scores.
Null Hypothesis
Null Hypothesis points to equality.
The Null Hypothesis proposes that the two brands have the same popularity.
Alternative Hypothesis
Alternative Hypothesis is what's being tested.
Our Alternative Hypothesis claims that the new teaching method is superior.
Null Hypothesis
Null Hypothesis represents status quo.
According to the Null Hypothesis, the new teaching method isn't better than the old one.
Alternative Hypothesis
Alternative Hypothesis opposes the Null.
The Alternative Hypothesis posits that the product weight differs from 50 grams.
Common Curiosities
Do we accept the Null Hypothesis if we can't reject it?
No, we simply say we failed to reject it; we don't accept or prove it.
Which hypothesis is tested directly in an experiment?
The Null Hypothesis is directly tested against the data.
Can the Null and Alternative Hypotheses both be true?
No, they are mutually exclusive in hypothesis testing.
How is the Null Hypothesis related to the status quo?
It represents the default or baseline position, reflecting the status quo.
What's the Null Hypothesis in a study?
The Null Hypothesis asserts that there's no significant difference or effect.
Is it bad if we fail to reject the Null Hypothesis?
Not necessarily; it means the data didn't provide strong enough evidence against it.
What does the Alternative Hypothesis rely on?
It relies on the data providing significant evidence against the Null Hypothesis.
Why is the Alternative Hypothesis important?
It represents what the researcher aims to prove or support with evidence.
How does the Alternative Hypothesis differ from the Null Hypothesis?
The Alternative Hypothesis posits a significant effect or difference, opposing the Null Hypothesis.
Can we prove the Null Hypothesis?
No, we either reject it or fail to reject it, but we don't prove it.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Gram Sabha vs. Gram Panchayat
Next Comparison
Baroque Art vs. Renaissance ArtAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
