Hypothesis Testing: How to Recognize Ho & Ha

In summary, a hypothesis in hypothesis testing is a proposed explanation that can be tested through experiments or observations. It consists of two competing statements: the null hypothesis (Ho) and the alternative hypothesis (Ha). The null hypothesis is the default assumption, while the alternative hypothesis is the proposed explanation that the researcher is trying to prove. The null hypothesis is typically denoted as "H0" or "Ho" and is the statement that the researcher is trying to reject. On the other hand, the alternative hypothesis is the statement that the researcher is trying to support. The choice between the two hypotheses depends on the research question and existing evidence or theory. Some common mistakes to avoid in hypothesis testing include using an incorrect hypothesis, misinterpreting the results,
  • #1
cmab
32
0
I really don't understand hypothesis testing.

How do I recognize which one is Ho and Ha in a problem?
Is there a particular trick to facilitate my lfie?
 
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  • #2
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypothesis#Evaluating_hypotheses

Null is the hypo. that you are attempting to falsify through your empirical observations. To falsify the null, you need to "prove" that your observations are not due to pure chance (or the probability with which they could be pure chance is low).
 

1. What is a hypothesis in hypothesis testing?

A hypothesis in hypothesis testing is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon or question that can be tested through experiments or observations. It is typically stated as two competing statements: the null hypothesis (Ho) and the alternative hypothesis (Ha). The null hypothesis is the default or baseline assumption, while the alternative hypothesis is the proposed explanation that the researcher is trying to prove.

2. How do you recognize the null hypothesis (Ho) in a hypothesis test?

The null hypothesis (Ho) is typically the statement that the researcher is trying to disprove or reject. It is often the statement that nothing has changed or that there is no difference between groups. It is usually denoted by the symbol "H0" or "Ho". In hypothesis testing, the goal is to gather evidence against the null hypothesis and support the alternative hypothesis.

3. What is the alternative hypothesis (Ha) in hypothesis testing?

The alternative hypothesis (Ha) is the statement that the researcher is trying to support or prove. It is typically the statement that there is a difference between groups or that a change has occurred. In hypothesis testing, the alternative hypothesis is supported by evidence that rejects the null hypothesis.

4. How do you determine which hypothesis to use in a hypothesis test?

The choice between the null hypothesis (Ho) and the alternative hypothesis (Ha) depends on the research question and the hypothesis that the researcher wants to test. The null hypothesis is typically used when there is no prior evidence or theory to support the alternative hypothesis. On the other hand, the alternative hypothesis is used when there is existing evidence or theory to support it.

5. What are some common mistakes to avoid in hypothesis testing?

Some common mistakes to avoid in hypothesis testing include using an incorrect hypothesis, misinterpreting the results, and drawing conclusions that are not supported by the evidence. It is important to carefully design the experiment and clearly state the null and alternative hypotheses. Additionally, it is crucial to correctly interpret the p-value and avoid making false assumptions based on significant or non-significant results.

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