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Null hypothesis

Definition

noun

(1) An assumption or proposition where an observed difference between two samples of a statistical population is purely accidental and not due to systematic causes.

(2) The hypothesis to be investigated through statistical hypothesis testing so that when refuted indicates that the alternative hypothesis is true.


Supplement

A null hypothesis is a hypothesis that is valid or presumed true until invalidated by a statistical test. Thus, one cannot say that a null hypothesis is ‘’accepted’’ rather a null hypothesis ‘’cannot be rejected’’ as it remains to be true based on the statistical evidence supporting it. Otherwise, a null hypothesis that is refuted is said to be ‘’rejected’’.


Word origin: coined by the English geneticist and statistician Ronald Fisher.

Symbol: H0

Compare: alternative hypothesis

See also: statistics, hypothesis


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Results from our forum


Hypothesis

well, what was your null hypothesis?

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by MrMistery
Sat Apr 18, 2009 9:39 pm
 
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Hypothesis
Replies: 1
Views: 284

Hypothesis

... value was greater then my resulting ''rs'' number, i have to accept the null hypothesis. Does this mean i have to totally reject my hypothesis, and cant comment on any ...

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by red.ninja13
Sat Apr 11, 2009 12:59 pm
 
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Hypothesis
Replies: 1
Views: 284

Brain size=IQ level theory (Blacks vs Whites & Asians)

... that the conclusion is BS, and show limited grasp of statistics. The null hypothesis does not need to be supported, it can only be proved wrong, but if your data are ...

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by canalon
Fri May 16, 2008 3:17 pm
 
Forum: Human Biology
Topic: Brain size=IQ level theory (Blacks vs Whites & Asians)
Replies: 18
Views: 12458

Brain size=IQ level theory (Blacks vs Whites & Asians)

... White enlisted personnel (1,369 vs. 1,366 cm3). Almost any confirmed hypothesis can be made null if one selects subsets of data. We do not believe such an ap30 RUSHTON AND ANKNEY proach ...

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by TJJ
Fri May 16, 2008 12:17 am
 
Forum: Human Biology
Topic: Brain size=IQ level theory (Blacks vs Whites & Asians)
Replies: 18
Views: 12458

Assigning genetic symbols and making hypothesis

... What genetic symbols should I assign to the alleles involved and what null hypothesis and ratio should I make for this mode of interitance of genes from this data set? ...

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by DerHaus
Tue Feb 26, 2008 10:35 pm
 
Forum: Genetics
Topic: Assigning genetic symbols and making hypothesis
Replies: 0
Views: 620
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