Hypotheses

Score Sheet

Worth 4 Points, Scored by HSTA Teacher, Approved by CRA

  • Hypothesis is based on research question and variables
    • Hypothesis has to match the research question and variables
  • Hypothesis is testable by a statistical test
    • If you can’t use a statistical test on your hypothesis, then it is not
      testable
  • Explain why this is your hypothesis using some of your background research
    • Explain why you expect these results based on what you’ve learned from your background research
  • Null Hypothesis is stated correctly.
    • States that there is no significant difference between your study population(s)

Tips 

  1. Hypothesis (plural: hypotheses) is a prediction about the outcome of study and based on a person’s observations, previous knowledge, and/or experience. 
    • The Null Hypothesis states that we will observe no difference, or we will observe no change. This is what we assume in research. 
    • The Alternative Hypothesis is what we are testing or seeking to find in the research. It states that there will be a change or a difference. 
  2. Use background information to help you take a stance on what you believe will happen and why. 
  3. If you get stuck just go back to basics: If... then... because...
    • If [we compare something about the independent variable], then [this is the outcome we expect], because [rationale].
    • If [something happens to the independent variable], then [this is the outcome we expect], because [rationale].

Examples

  • Among HSTA students in WV, does McDonald's or Burger King have a better tasting hamburger?
    • Alternative Hypothesis: If HSTA students from WV complete a taste test between McDonalds and Burger King hamburgers, then we will find they prefer McDonalds because McDonalds has better ketchup.
    • Null Hypothesis: There will not be a significant difference between taste test results among McDonalds and Burger King hamburgers.
  • Is there a link between hours of television viewing and obesity rates in children aged 8-14?
    • Alternative Hypothesis: There will be a positive correlation between the number of hours children age 8-14 watch TV and their obesity rate, due to the sedentary habits of watching too much TV.
    • Null Hypothesis: There will be no correlation between the number of hours children aged 8-14 watch TV and their obesity
  • Do females age 16-18 score higher than males age 16-18 on the ACT during 2016?
    • Alternative Hypothesis: There will be a true difference in ACT scores among females and males who are 16-18 years of age because research indicates females study more.
    • Null Hypothesis: There will be no difference in ACT among females and male who are 16-18 years of age.
  • Will plants have a higher growth rate with water supplements Sea Veg, Seachem, or Natural Leaf after 6 weeks?
    • Alternative Hypothesis: Plants in the Sea Veg group will have a higher growth than the Seachem or Natural Leaf groups, due to the natural vitamins in the water.
    • Null Hypothesis: There is will no difference among the water supplement groups and growth rates.