Hypotheses

• alternative

  experimental


  alternative - a clear, precise & testable statement that states the relationship between the variables

  e.g it takes longer to ... than ...

  experimental - when you do an experiment
• directional


  ''there is a positive / negative correlation between ...''

  states the difference or relationship expected between 2 conditions / groups of ptps.

  when you carry out a statistical test, because you have one outcome in mind, you use a ONE - TAILED TEST

  use when there is previous research so you know what to expect
• non - directional

  ''there is a correlation / difference between ... and ...''

  predicts there will be a relationship / difference between 2 conditions / groups of ptps.

  when you carry out a statistical test, because you have more than one outcome in mind, you use a TWO - TAILED TEST

  use when there is no previous research / previous studies have found conflicting results
• when to use directional hypotheses?

  when there is previous research so you know what to expect
• when to use non-directional hypothesis?

  when there is no previous research / the studies have found conflicting results
• null hypotheses


  the opposite of an alternative hypothesis

  where you predict there will be no difference or association between the variables