Research Methodology
Research Methodology
Research Methodology
Ans. Exploratory research design is a flexible research method used to gain a better understanding of
a new or poorly understood issue. It is a preliminary step that helps define the research problem and
develop more precise research questions for future, more in-depth studies. Exploratory research is
used when there is little or no existing research on a topic, or when the topic is complex and not well-
defined. It is a valuable tool for generating new ideas, getting insights from different perspectives, and
identifying potential areas for further investigation.
4. Qualitative Research
• Purpose: It aims to explore meanings, uncover patterns, and generate theories or hypotheses rather
than testing them.
• Example: Ethnographic studies, case studies, and phenomenological research used in anthropology,
education, and sociology.
5. Mixed Methods Research
• Purpose: It seeks to leverage the strengths of both approaches to triangulate findings and enhance
validity.
• Example: Using surveys to collect numerical data and follow-up interviews to explore participants'
experiences and perspectives.
6. Descriptive Research
• Purpose: Descriptive research aims to describe characteristics of a population or phenomenon. It
focuses on answering questions about who, what, where, and how many.
• Example: Conducting a survey to understand consumer preferences or observing behavior in natural
settings to describe patterns.
7. Exploratory Research
• Purpose: Exploratory research aims to explore a new area or gain initial insights into a phenomenon
where little is known.
• Example: Conducting interviews with experts to understand emerging trends in technology or
investigating early-stage symptoms of a new disease.
8. Explanatory Research
• Purpose: Explanatory research aims to identify factors contributing to a phenomenon or establish
cause-and-effect relationships.
• Example: Testing the impact of a new teaching method on student performance or studying the
relationship between smoking and lung cancer.
Ans. A good research report is essential for effectively communicating the findings, implications, and
significance of a research study to the intended audience. It should be clear, well-structured, and
organized to facilitate understanding and interpretation of the research outcomes. Here are the key
elements of a good research report:
1. Title Page
• Title: Clearly states the main topic or research question of the study.
• Authors: Names of the researchers involved in the study.
2. Abstract
• Summary: Provides a concise summary of the entire research report.
• Purpose: States the research objectives, methods used, key findings, and conclusions.
3. Introduction
• Objectives: Outlines the specific aims and objectives of the study.
• Significance: Discusses the significance and potential contributions of the study to the field.
4. Literature Review
• Scope: Summarizes and synthesizes relevant literature related to the research topic.
• Theoretical Framework: Provides a theoretical foundation for the study and connects it to existing
theories or conceptual frameworks.
5. Methodology
• Research Design: Describes the overall approach (e.g., experimental, observational, qualitative,
quantitative).
• Data Collection: Explains how data were collected (e.g., surveys, interviews, experiments) and any
instruments used.
• Data Analysis: Describes the methods used to analyse the data (e.g., statistical tests, qualitative
analysis).
6. Results
• Presentation: Presents the findings of the study in a clear and organized manner.
• Data: Includes relevant data, tables, figures, or charts to support the findings.
• Statistical Analysis: Provides statistical analyses conducted and summarizes key findings.
7. Discussion
• Interpretation: Interprets the results in relation to the research question or hypothesis.
• Limitations: Acknowledges any limitations of the study and potential sources of bias.
8. Conclusion
• Summary: Provides a brief summary of the key findings and conclusions drawn from the study.
• Contributions: Highlights the contributions of the study to the field of research.
9. References
• Citations: Lists all sources cited in the report using a consistent citation style (e.g., APA, MLA,
Chicago).
• Accuracy: Ensures accuracy and completeness of references to support the credibility of the research.
10. Appendices
• Supplementary Materials: Includes any additional materials that support the report (e.g.,
questionnaires, raw data, detailed methods).
8. Steps involved in a research process.
Ans. The research process is a systematic approach to conducting research that involves several key
steps. While the specific details may vary depending on the discipline and nature of the research, the
following are generally considered fundamental steps involved in the research process:
10. Significance of using the primary and secondary data and limitations
Ans. In data analysis, various types of charts are used to visually represent data, each serving a
specific purpose and providing different insights. Here are some common types of charts:
1. Bar Charts
• Vertical Bar Chart: Displays data with rectangular bars with lengths proportional to the values they
represent. Useful for comparing quantities across different categories.
• Horizontal Bar Chart: Similar to the vertical bar chart but oriented horizontally. Useful when category
names are long.
2. Line Charts
• Simple Line Chart: Plots data points connected by straight lines. Ideal for showing trends over time.
• Multi-Line Chart: Multiple lines represent different data series, useful for comparing trends between
groups.
3. Pie Charts
• Simple Pie Chart: A circular chart divided into sectors, each representing a proportion of the whole.
Useful for showing relative proportions.
• Donut Chart: Similar to a pie chart but with a central hole. Useful for emphasizing parts-to-whole
relationships.
4. Area Charts
• Simple Area Chart: Similar to a line chart, but the area below the line is filled in. Useful for showing
cumulative quantities over time.
12. Comparison between Survey and experiment
SURVEY EXPERIMENT
Survey refers to a technique of gathering information Experiment implies a scientific procedure
regarding a variable under study, from the respondents of wherein the factor under study is isolated to test
the population. hypothesis.
Observation, interview, questionnaire, case study etc. Through several readings of experiment.
13. Creation of questionnaire
Ans. Creating an effective questionnaire involves several steps to ensure that the data collected is
valid, reliable, and useful. Here’s a detailed guide on how to create a questionnaire:
1. Define the Purpose
• Identify the Objective: Clearly define what you want to achieve with the questionnaire. What specific
information are you looking to gather?
• Target Audience: Determine who will be answering the questions. Knowing your audience helps tailor
the questions to their level of understanding and interest.
2. Research and Plan
• Review Existing Surveys: Look at similar questionnaires to get an idea of effective question formats
and common pitfalls.
• List Key Topics: Break down your objective into main topics and subtopics to cover all necessary
aspects.
3. Develop Questions
• Types of Questions:
o Open-Ended: Allows respondents to answer in their own words. Useful for detailed insights
but harder to analyze.
o Closed-Ended: Provides specific options (e.g., multiple choice, yes/no, Likert scale). Easier to
analyze but may limit depth.
• Question Wording:
o Clear and Concise: Avoid complex language and keep questions straightforward.
o Neutral: Avoid leading questions that suggest a particular answer.
o Specific: Ensure each question addresses a single concept or issue.
• Question Order:
o Logical Flow: Start with general questions and move to specific ones.
o Grouping: Group related questions together to make the survey easier to follow.
4. Design the Questionnaire
• Format: Choose an appropriate format (online, paper-based, etc.). Ensure it is accessible and easy to
navigate.
5. Pilot Testing
• Pre-Test: Test the questionnaire with a small sample of your target audience to identify any issues.
6. Distribution
• Channels: Choose the best distribution method (email, social media, in-person, etc.) based on your
target audience.
7. Data Collection and Analysis
• Collect Responses: Ensure the data collection process is secure and reliable.
• Analyze Data: Use appropriate statistical methods to analyze the data. Look for trends, patterns, and
significant findings.
8. Reporting Results
• Summarize Findings: Present the data in a clear and concise manner using charts, graphs, and tables.
14. Characteristics of good questionnaire design
Ans. Designing a good questionnaire involves incorporating several key characteristics to ensure that
it effectively collects the desired information while being user-friendly for respondents.
1. Clarity and Simplicity
• Clear Language: Use simple and straightforward language to avoid any confusion. Ensure that the
questions are easily understood by all respondents.
2. Relevance
• Focus on Objectives: Every question should serve a clear purpose related to the research objectives.
Avoid including unnecessary questions that do not add value.
• Targeted Questions: Tailor questions to the specific audience to ensure the responses are relevant
and useful.
3. Conciseness
• Direct Questions: Ask direct questions that require straightforward answers, avoiding long and
complex queries.
4. Logical Flow
• Organized Structure: Arrange questions in a logical order that flows naturally. Group related
questions together in sections.
• Ease of Navigation: Make it easy for respondents to move through the questionnaire without
confusion.
5. Neutrality
• Avoid Leading Questions: Ensure questions are neutrally worded to avoid influencing the
respondent’s answers.
• Balanced Options: Provide balanced response options, especially in closed-ended questions, to avoid
bias.
15. Comparison between Observation and Interview.
Observation Interview
Behavioural and contextual Verbal, subjective experiences and opinions
Natural or controlled environment Controlled environment
16. Prepare a questionnaire to assess the service quality of a restaurant in your locality by
using various types of measurement scales.
Ans. Section 1: General Information
1. How often do you visit our restaurant?
o Daily
o Weekly
o Monthly
o Rarely
o This was my first visit
Section 2: Service Quality Assessment
1. How would you rate the quality of our food?
• Very Poor
• Poor
• Neutral
• Good
• Very Good
3. How satisfied are you with the friendliness of our staff?
o Very Dissatisfied
o Dissatisfied
o Neutral
o Satisfied
o Very Satisfied
4. To what extent do you agree with the following statement: "The restaurant's ambiance is
pleasant and welcoming."
o Strongly Disagree
o Disagree
o Neutral
o Agree
o Strongly Agree
2. Semantic Differential Scale 5. Please rate your overall dining experience on the following scales:
• Food Quality: Low Quality High Quality
• Service Speed: Slow Fast
• Cleanliness: Very Dirty Very Clean
• Value for Money: Poor Value Excellent Value
3. Multiple Choice Questions 6. Which of the following best describes the accuracy of your order?
• Completely accurate
• Mostly accurate
• Somewhat accurate
• Inaccurate
7. How likely are you to recommend our restaurant to others?
o Very Likely
o Likely
o Neutral
o Unlikely
o Very Unlikely
4. Rank Order Scale 8. Please rank the following aspects of our service from most important to least
important to you:
• Quality of food
• Friendliness of staff
• Cleanliness of the restaurant
• Speed of service
• Ambiance of the restaurant
5. Open-Ended Questions 9. What did you like most about your experience at our restaurant?
10. What improvements would you suggest for our restaurant?
6. Demographic Information (Optional) 11. What is your age?
• Under 18
• 18-24
• 25-34
• 35-44
• 45-54
• 55-64
• 65 or older
12. What is your gender?
• Male
• Female
• Non-binary
• Prefer not to say
Conclusion: "Thank you for your valuable feedback. Your responses will help us enhance your future
dining experiences at our restaurant."
17. Formulation of null and alternative hypothesis form a given scenario:
Ans. You are a restaurant owner who wants to determine if introducing a new menu item (e.g., a
gourmet burger) will increase the average daily sales compared to the current menu.
Formulation of Hypotheses:
Step 1: Define the Variables
• Independent Variable: Introduction of the new menu item (gourmet burger).
• Dependent Variable: Average daily sales.
Step 2: State the Null Hypothesis (H0) The null hypothesis represents the default position that there
is no effect or no difference. It is a statement of no change or no difference and is typically what you
aim to test against.
• H0: Introducing the new menu item will not change the average daily sales.
• Mathematically, if μ0\mu_0μ0 represents the current average daily sales and μ1\mu_1μ1 represents
the average daily sales after introducing the new menu item:
o H0: μ1≤μ0
Step 3: State the Alternative Hypothesis (H1) The alternative hypothesis represents what you are
trying to prove. It is a statement that there is an effect or a difference.
• H1: Introducing the new menu item will increase the average daily sales.
• Mathematically:
o H1: μ1>μ0
Summary of Hypotheses:
• Null Hypothesis (H0): The introduction of the new menu item does not increase the average
daily sales (or the average daily sales remain the same or decrease).
o H0: μ1≤μ0
• Alternative Hypothesis (H1): The introduction of the new menu item increases the average
daily sales.
o H1: μ1>μ0
18. A teacher claims that the mean score of students in his class is greater than 82 with a
standard deviation of 20. If a sample of 81 students was selected with a mean score of 90
then check if there is enough evidence to support this claim at a 0.05 significance level.
Critical Value (Z-critical) at α=0.05 for a right-tailed test: From standard normal distribution
tables or calculations, the critical z-value for a 0.05 significance level in a right-tailed test is
approximately 1.645.
Decision Rule: If the computed z-score is greater than the critical z-score, we reject the null
hypothesis.
Comparison and Conclusion:
• Computed z-score = 3.6
• Critical z-score = 1.645
Since 3.6 > 1.645, we reject the null hypothesis.
Interpretation: There is sufficient statistical evidence at the 0.05 significance level to
support the claim that the mean score of students in the math teacher's class is greater than
82.
Final Answers to the Points:
• 8: The critical or tabular value (TV) is approximately 1.645.
• 9: The computed value (CV) is 3.6.
• 10: True, the null hypothesis is rejected.
• 11: False, there is sufficient evidence to support the teacher's claim.
• 12: True, the conclusion is that the math teacher's class did perform better than the average
(mean > 82).
19. An online medicine shop claims that the mean delivery time for medicines is less than 120
minutes with a standard deviation of 30 minutes. Is there enough evidence to support this
claim at a 0.05 significance level if 49 orders were examined with a mean of 100 minutes?
Decision Rule:
• Determine the critical value for a one-tailed test at α=0.05\alpha = 0.05α=0.05: The critical
value of z for a one-tailed test at the 0.05 significance level is approximately -1.645.
• If the calculated z-score is less than the critical value, we reject the null hypothesis.
Conclusion:
• Calculated z-score: -4.66
• Critical value: -1.645
Since -4.66 is less than -1.645, we reject the null hypothesis.
20. A gym trainer claimed that all the new boys in the gym are not equal to 100 kg.A random
sample of thirty boys weight have a mean score of 112.5 kg and the population mean
weight is 100 kg and the standard deviation is 15. Test is at 0.05 significance level.
Ans. Given Data:
• Claimed population mean (μ0): 100 kg
• Sample mean (xˉ): 112.5 kg
• Population standard deviation (σ): 15 kg
• Sample size (n): 30 boys
• Significance level (α\alphaα): 0.05
Hypotheses:
• Null Hypothesis (H0): μ=100\ (The mean weight of new boys is 100 kg)
• Alternative Hypothesis (H1): μ≠100 (The mean weight of new boys is not equal to 100 kg)
Decision Rule:
• Determine the critical values for a two-tailed test at α=0.05\alpha = 0.05α=0.05: The critical value of z
for a two-tailed test at the 0.05 significance level is approximately ±1.96.
• If the calculated z-score is less than -1.96 or greater than 1.96, we reject the null hypothesis.
Conclusion:
• Calculated z-score: 4.56
• Critical values: ±1.96
Since 4.56 is greater than 1.96, we reject the null hypothesis.
21. From the data given below obtain the regression equation of X on Y:
X: 2 3 7 9 10
Y: 9 9 10 8 12
Ans. X=a+bY
Where:
• a is the intercept
• b is the slope of the regression line
The formulas to calculate the slope (b) and intercept (a) are:
22. properties of correlation coefficient.
Ans. Stratified random sampling is a type of probability method using which a research organization can
branch off the entire population into multiple non-overlapping, homogeneous groups (strata) and randomly
choose final members from the various strata for research which reduces cost and improves efficiency.
Members in each of these groups should be distinct so that every member of all groups gets an equal
opportunity to be selected using simple probability. This sampling method is also called “random quota
sampling.”
Let’s consider a situation where a research team seeks opinions about religion among various age groups.
Instead of collecting feedback from 326,044,985 U.S citizens, random samples of around 10000 can be
selected for research. These 10000 citizens can be divided into groups according to age, i.e., 18-29, 30-39, 40-
49, 50-59, and 60 and above. Each stratum will have distinct members and the number of members—age,
socioeconomic divisions, nationality, religion, educational achievements, and other classifications.
28. Cluster sampling
Ans. Cluster sampling is a type of sampling method used in statistics and research where the
population is divided into groups, or clusters, and a random sample of these clusters is selected.
Unlike stratified sampling where the population is divided into homogeneous subgroups (strata),
cluster sampling divides the population into heterogeneous clusters that ideally mirror the
characteristics of the entire population.
How Cluster Sampling Works:
1. Define the Population: Identify and define the population of interest. This could be a
geographical area, organizational units, schools, households, etc.
2. Create Clusters: Divide the population into clusters or groups. Clusters should ideally be
heterogeneous but internally homogeneous in terms of the variables of interest.
3. Random Selection of Clusters: Randomly select a certain number of clusters from the
population. This is typically done using simple random sampling techniques or by using a
systematic sampling approach.
4. Include All Units in Selected Clusters: Include all units (individuals, households, etc.)
within the selected clusters in the sample. This step distinguishes cluster sampling from
stratified sampling, where only a subset of individuals from each stratum is sampled.
29. Primary scales of measurement.
Ans. There are four primary scales of measurement, each with its unique properties and levels of
measurement. These scales are crucial as they determine the type of statistical analysis that can be
performed on the data. The four primary scales of measurement are:
1. Nominal Scale:
• Definition: The nominal scale is the simplest level of measurement where variables are categorized
into non-numeric categories or names.
• Characteristics:
o Variables are qualitative and cannot be ranked or ordered.
o Categories are mutually exclusive and exhaustive.
o Examples: Gender (male, female), marital status (single, married, divorced), race/ethnicity
(Asian, Hispanic, Black).
2. Ordinal Scale:
• Definition: The ordinal scale categorizes variables into ordered levels or ranks.
• Characteristics:
o Variables can be ranked or ordered, but the differences between ranks are not uniform.
o There is no assumption of equal intervals between ranks.
o Examples: Educational attainment (high school diploma, bachelor's degree, master's degree),
Likert scales (strongly agree, agree, neutral, disagree, strongly disagree).
3. Interval Scale:
• Definition: The interval scale measures variables where the distance between each value is equal, but
there is no true zero point.
• Characteristics:
o Variables are measured on a scale with equal intervals between points.
o Zero does not represent the absence of the quantity being measured (arbitrary zero).
o Examples: Temperature measured in Celsius or Fahrenheit, dates (calendar years).
4. Ratio Scale:
• Definition: The ratio scale is the highest level of measurement where variables have all the properties
of interval scales, but with a true zero point.
• Characteristics:
o Variables are measured on a scale with equal intervals between points.
o Zero represents the absence of the quantity being measured (absolute zero).
o Ratio comparisons (multiplicative operations) are meaningful.
o Examples: Height, weight, time in seconds, income.
30. Research Hypothesis in context
Ans, In the context of research, a hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction or statement about the
relationship between variables or the outcome of a study. It forms the basis of empirical research and
guides the investigation by specifying what the researcher expects to find.
Components of a Research Hypothesis:
1. Null Hypothesis (H₀):
o Definition: The null hypothesis states that there is no significant relationship or difference
between variables being studied.
o Symbol: H0H₀H0
o Example: "There is no difference in mean test scores between students who receive tutoring
and those who do not."
2. Alternative Hypothesis (H₁ or Hₐ):
o Definition: The alternative hypothesis contradicts the null hypothesis and suggests that there
is a relationship or difference between variables.
o Symbol: H1H₁H1 or HaHₐHa
o Example: "Students who receive tutoring will have higher mean test scores compared to
those who do not."
Types of Research Hypotheses:
1. Directional Hypothesis:
o Predicts the direction of the relationship between variables.
o Example: "The more hours spent studying, the higher the exam scores will be."
2. Non-directional Hypothesis:
o Does not predict the direction of the relationship; it only states that a relationship exists.
o Example: "There is a relationship between hours spent studying and exam scores."
31. Discuss one tail and two tail tests with respect to hypothesis testing.
Ans. In hypothesis testing, the choice between a one-tail (one-sided) test and a two-tail (two-sided)
test depends on the specific nature of the research question and the directionality of the hypothesis
being tested.
One-Tail Test:
1. Definition:
o A one-tail test examines whether the sample data is significantly greater than or less than a
hypothesized population parameter in a specific direction.
o It focuses on detecting an effect in only one direction (either positive or negative).
2. When to Use:
o Use a one-tail test when there is a specific directional prediction or expectation based on
theory or previous research.
o It is appropriate when the researcher is interested in testing whether a parameter is
significantly greater than (right-tailed test) or less than (left-tailed test) a certain value.
3. Example:
o Research Hypothesis: "The new drug treatment decreases symptoms of the disease."
o One-Tail Test (Right-Tailed): The null hypothesis H0H₀H0 would be μ≤μ0 (no decrease or an
increase), and the alternative hypothesis H1H₁H1 would be μ>μ0 (decrease in symptoms).
4. Critical Region:
o The critical region for a one-tail test is located entirely in one tail of the distribution of
sample means or proportions.
Two-Tail Test:
1. Definition:
o A two-tail test examines whether the sample data is significantly different from a
hypothesized population parameter in any direction.
o It tests for the possibility of effects in both directions (either greater than or less than).
2. When to Use:
o Use a two-tail test when there is no specific directional prediction or when the researcher
wants to test for the possibility of differences in both directions.
o It is appropriate when the researcher is interested in whether a parameter differs
significantly from a specified value, without specifying the direction of the difference.
3. Example:
o Research Hypothesis: "There is a difference in mean exam scores between two groups."
o Two-Tail Test: The null hypothesis H0H₀H0 would be μ1=μ2\mu₁ = \mu₂μ1=μ2 (no
difference), and the alternative hypothesis H1H₁H1 would be μ1≠μ2\mu₁ ≠ \mu₂μ1 =μ2
(difference exists).
4. Critical Region:
o The critical region for a two-tail test is divided between both tails of the distribution of
sample means or proportions.
Key Differences:
• Directionality: One-tail tests focus on effects in one specific direction (either greater than or
less than), while two-tail tests consider effects in both directions.
• Critical Region: One-tail tests have a single critical region in one tail of the distribution,
whereas two-tail tests have critical regions split between both tails.
• Decision Making: In hypothesis testing, the decision to reject or fail to reject the null
hypothesis depends on where the sample statistic falls relative to the critical region(s) defined
by the test type.
32. Explain the types of errors in testing of hypothesis.
Ans. In hypothesis testing, there are two types of errors that can occur based on the decisions made
regarding the null hypothesis (H₀) and the alternative hypothesis (H₁). These errors are known as Type
I and Type II errors, and they have specific implications for the conclusions drawn from the statistical
analysis.
1. Type I Error (α error, False Positive):
• Definition: A Type I error occurs when the null hypothesis (H₀) is rejected, but in reality, the null
hypothesis is true.
• Probability: Denoted by α\alphaα, the significance level of the test, which represents the probability
of rejecting the null hypothesis when it is actually true.
• Consequences: It means concluding there is a significant effect or difference when none exists.
• Example: Concluding that a new drug is effective (rejecting H₀) when it actually has no effect (H₀ is
true).
2. Type II Error (β error, False Negative):
• Definition: A Type II error occurs when the null hypothesis (H₀) is not rejected, but in reality, the
alternative hypothesis (H₁) is true.
• Probability: Denoted by β\betaβ, the probability of failing to reject the null hypothesis when the
alternative hypothesis is true.
• Consequences: It means failing to detect a real effect or difference that actually exists.
• Example: Failing to conclude that a new treatment is effective (not rejecting H₀) when it actually does
have an effect (H₁ is true).
33. Steps of hypotheses testing
Ans. Definition: The significance level is the probability of rejecting the null hypothesis when it
is actually true.
• Symbol: Denoted by α\alphaα, typically set at 0.05 (5%) or 0.01 (1%), although other levels
such as 0.10 (10%) or custom levels may also be used based on the research context and
conventions.
• Purpose: It establishes the standard for decision-making in hypothesis testing. By setting
α\alphaα, researchers define the maximum acceptable probability of making a Type I error
(incorrectly rejecting the null hypothesis).
Practical Application:
1. Critical Region (Rejection Region):
o The critical region is determined based on the chosen significance level α\alphaα and the
distribution of the test statistic.
o It defines the values of the test statistic that would lead to rejection of the null hypothesis if
observed in the sample data.
2. Decision Rule:
o During hypothesis testing, researchers compare the calculated test statistic with critical
values (cut-off points) derived from the chosen significance level.
o If the test statistic falls within the critical region (beyond the critical values), the null
hypothesis is rejected at the specified significance level.
3. Type I Error (False Positive):
o The significance level directly relates to the risk of Type I error.
o A lower significance level (e.g., α=0.01\alpha = 0.01α=0.01) reduces the probability of Type I
error but may increase the risk of Type II error (false negative) if the sample size is
insufficient to detect real effects.
35. Null and alternative hypothesis
Ans. In hypothesis testing, the null hypothesis (denoted as H0) and the alternative hypothesis
(denoted as H1or Ha) are two complementary statements used to make decisions about the population
parameters based on sample data. Here’s a detailed explanation of each:
Null Hypothesis (H₀):
1. Definition:
o The null hypothesis is a statement that suggests there is no significant difference, effect, or
relationship between variables.
o It represents the status quo or a baseline assumption that is assumed to be true unless
evidence suggests otherwise.
o Often denoted as H0H₀H0.
2. Example:
o If a researcher wants to test a new drug's effectiveness:
▪ H0: "The new drug has no effect on reducing symptoms."
▪ This hypothesis assumes there is no change or improvement due to the drug.
3. Decision Rule:
o In hypothesis testing, the null hypothesis is typically tested against an alternative hypothesis.
o The decision to reject or fail to reject the null hypothesis is based on the evidence from the
sample data and the chosen significance level α\alphaα.
Alternative Hypothesis (H₁ or Hₐ):
1. Definition:
o The alternative hypothesis contradicts the null hypothesis and suggests that there is a
significant difference, effect, or relationship between variables.
o It represents what the researcher is trying to prove or find evidence for.
o Denoted as H1 or Ha.
2. Example:
o Continuing with the drug example:
▪ H1H₁H1: "The new drug reduces symptoms significantly."
▪ This hypothesis suggests that there is a measurable improvement due to the drug.
3. Types of Alternative Hypotheses:
o One-Tailed (Directional): Specifies a direction of the effect (e.g., increase or decrease).
▪ Example: H1: "The new drug decreases symptoms compared to the placebo."
o Two-Tailed (Non-directional): Specifies that there is a difference but does not specify the
direction.
▪ Example: H1: "There is a difference in symptoms between the new drug and the
placebo."