ALTERNATE HYPOTHESIS Meaning and
Definition
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An alternate hypothesis is a concept in statistics and scientific research that presents an alternative possibility or explanation to the null hypothesis. In statistical hypothesis testing, researchers often have two competing hypotheses: the null hypothesis and the alternate hypothesis. The null hypothesis represents the default assumption or prevailing belief, while the alternate hypothesis suggests an alternative viewpoint.
The alternate hypothesis is generally formulated to propose a difference, effect, relationship, or change that is being investigated in the research. It is often denoted as "Ha" or "H1" and is designed to challenge or negate the null hypothesis.
This hypothesis is typically based on previous evidence, theory, or observations that contradict the null hypothesis. It is constructed in a way that researchers can gather and analyze data to support or reject it. The alternate hypothesis is considered as the scientific quest to disprove the null hypothesis, as it represents the desired outcome or expectation of the research.
Statisticians and researchers conduct various statistical tests to compare the observed data with the predicted outcomes based on the alternate hypothesis. If the observed data significantly deviates from the expected outcomes, it provides evidence to support the alternate hypothesis. Conversely, if the observed data is consistent with the predicted outcomes, the null hypothesis is supported.
Overall, the alternate hypothesis plays a crucial role in hypothesis testing, allowing scientists and researchers to explore different explanations, relationships, or effects in order to gain a deeper understanding of the phenomena under investigation.
Etymology of ALTERNATE HYPOTHESIS
The word "alternate" originated from the Latin word "alternātus", which means "done by turns" or "one after another". It is derived from the verb "alternāre", meaning "to do by turns" or "to change".
The word "hypothesis" comes from the Greek word "hypóthesis", where "hypo" means "under" or "below", and "thesis" means "a placing" or "a position". In Greek philosophy, it referred to a proposition placed under another proposition, forming the basis for further examination or discussion.
The phrase "alternate hypothesis" combines these two words, referring to an alternative proposition or theory that is suggested as an alternative to the null hypothesis in statistical hypothesis testing.
