Psychology Understanding Null and Alternative Hypotheses

What is the null hypothesis?

• A hypothesis that cannot be tested

• A hypothesis that we believe or expect to be true

• A hypothesis that is always false

• A hypothesis that is always true

What is the alternative hypothesis?

• A hypothesis that cannot be tested

• A hypothesis that we believe or expect to be true

• A hypothesis that is always true

• A counterclaim to the null hypothesis

In the example of bees making honey, what is the null hypothesis?

• Wasps make honey

• Bees make honey

• Honey is made by all insects

• Honey is not made by insects

In the example of the average male baby weight in the UK, what is the null hypothesis?

• The average birth weight is less than 7 pounds 12 ounces

• The average birth weight is greater than 7 pounds 12 ounces

• The average birth weight is equal to 7 pounds 12 ounces

• The average birth weight is not equal to 7 pounds 12 ounces

In the example of the average male baby weight in the UK, what is the alternative hypothesis?

• The average birth weight is equal to 7 pounds 12 ounces

• The average birth weight is not equal to 7 pounds 12 ounces

• The average birth weight is greater than 7 pounds 12 ounces

• The average birth weight is less than 7 pounds 12 ounces

In the vending machine example, what is the null hypothesis?

• The amount of water in each bottle is not equal to 500 ml

• The amount of water in each bottle is equal to 500 ml

• The amount of water in each bottle is less than 500 ml

• The amount of water in each bottle is greater than 500 ml

In the vending machine example, what is the alternative hypothesis?

• The amount of water in each bottle is not equal to 500 ml

• The amount of water in each bottle is equal to 500 ml

• The amount of water in each bottle is greater than 500 ml

• The amount of water in each bottle is less than 500 ml

What does the null hypothesis commonly represent?

• A significant effect of a treatment

• A difference between groups

• No effect of a treatment or no difference between groups

• A new idea that needs to be tested

In the example of birth weights in Birmingham and Nottingham hospitals, what is the null hypothesis?

• There is a difference in birth weight between babies born in the two locations

• Babies in Nottingham weigh more than babies in Birmingham

• There is no difference in birth weight between babies born in the two locations

• Babies in Birmingham weigh more than babies in Nottingham

In the example of birth weights in Birmingham and Nottingham hospitals, what is the alternative hypothesis?

• There is no difference in birth weight between babies born in the two locations

• Babies in Nottingham weigh more than babies in Birmingham

• There is a difference in birth weight between babies born in the two locations

• Babies in Birmingham weigh more than babies in Nottingham