Difference Between Null and Alternative Hypothesis

Generation of the hypothesis is the beginning of a scientific process. It refers to a supposition, based on reasoning and evidence. The researcher examines it through observations and experiments, which then provides facts and forecast possible outcomes. The hypothesis can be inductive or deductive, simple or complex, null or alternative. While the null hypothesis is the hypothesis, which is to be actually tested, whereas alternative hypothesis gives an alternative to the null hypothesis.

Null hypothesis implies a statement that expects no difference or effect. On the contrary, an alternative hypothesis is one that expects some difference or effect. Null hypothesis This article excerpt shed light on the fundamental differences between null and alternative hypothesis.

Content: Null Hypothesis Vs Alternative Hypothesis

1. Comparison Chart
2. Definition
3. Key Differences
4. Conclusion

Comparison Chart

Basis for Comparison	Null Hypothesis	Alternative Hypothesis
Meaning	A null hypothesis is a statement, in which there is no relationship between two variables.	An alternative hypothesis is statement in which there is some statistical significance between two measured phenomenon.
Represents	No observed effect	Some observed effect
What is it?	It is what the researcher tries to disprove.	It is what the researcher tries to prove.
Acceptance	No changes in opinions or actions	Changes in opinions or actions
Testing	Indirect and implicit	Direct and explicit
Observations	Result of chance	Result of real effect
Denoted by	H-zero	H-one
Mathematical formulation	Equal sign	Unequal sign

Definition of Null Hypothesis

A null hypothesis is a statistical hypothesis in which there is no significant difference exist between the set of variables. It is the original or default statement, with no effect, often represented by H₀ (H-zero). It is always the hypothesis that is tested. It denotes the certain value of population parameter such as µ, s, p. A null hypothesis can be rejected, but it cannot be accepted just on the basis of a single test.

Definition of Alternative Hypothesis

A statistical hypothesis used in hypothesis testing, which states that there is a significant difference between the set of variables. It is often referred to as the hypothesis other than the null hypothesis, often denoted by H₁ (H-one). It is what the researcher seeks to prove in an indirect way, by using the test. It refers to a certain value of sample statistic, e.g., x¯, s, p

The acceptance of alternative hypothesis depends on the rejection of the null hypothesis i.e. until and unless null hypothesis is rejected, an alternative hypothesis cannot be accepted.

Conclusion

There are two outcomes of a statistical test, i.e. first, a null hypothesis is rejected and alternative hypothesis is accepted, second, null hypothesis is accepted, on the basis of the evidence. In simple terms, a null hypothesis is just opposite of alternative hypothesis.