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Let's start with what a proper null hypothesis is. A null hypothesis is a testable assertion based on preliminary observations or tests. Here's one:

EX: NULL: It's raining outside. ALT: It's not raining outside.

Note whenever we pose a Null hypothesis we must also specify an Alternative hypothesis so that if the Null proves to be not valid, the Alternative automatically proves to be not false.

We presume the NULL here is based on the observation that someone just came in from the outside and is drenching wet. Is it testable? Sure, we can just stick our hand out the window to see if it gets wet.

But that might be due to a sprinkler system in the lawn. So we do a second test and look at the area around and see a downpour there. So based on the two tests we conclude that the NULL is not false. And that means the ALT most likely is false.

Of course, in the design and analysis of scientific experiments, the NULL is typically mathematical and a bit more complex. But the concepts are still the same. They must be testable and must be based on preliminary tests and observations. And there must be an ALT to go with the NULL..

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Duane Anymouse

Lvl 9
4y ago

What else can I help you with?