Can someone please explain to me the biological definition of what alternative hypotheses is? I've looked through the paragraphs in my textbook, however, I still can't seem to arrive at a clear understanding of what the definition is.
Here are some examples:
Whatever A and B designate, if your original hypothesis is A=B, then the alternative is A≠B.
If the original hypothesis is A effects B, then the alternative is A does not effect B.
The biological definition of alternative hypotheses is an important concept in the field of scientific research, specifically in experimental biology. Alternative hypotheses refer to the competing explanations or possibilities that are proposed to explain a scientific question or observation.
To understand alternative hypotheses, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of the scientific method and the process of hypothesis testing. In the scientific method, researchers typically start with an observation or a question and then formulate a hypothesis, which is a proposed explanation for the observed phenomenon.
In a biological experiment, researchers often have two competing hypotheses, the null hypothesis and the alternative hypothesis. The null hypothesis (H0) is the default or the default explanation for the phenomenon, suggesting that there is no significant difference or relationship between variables. On the other hand, the alternative hypothesis (H1 or Ha) proposes an alternative explanation, suggesting that there is a significant difference or relationship between variables.
During the experiment, researchers collect data and analyze it statistically to determine whether the data supports the null hypothesis or the alternative hypothesis. The goal is to gather enough evidence to accept or reject either the null hypothesis or the alternative hypothesis.
If the statistical analysis provides strong evidence against the null hypothesis, researchers reject the null hypothesis and accept the alternative hypothesis. This means that the alternative explanation proposed by the researchers is supported by the data and is considered a more likely explanation for the observed phenomenon.
Conversely, if the statistical analysis fails to provide sufficient evidence against the null hypothesis, researchers fail to reject the null hypothesis. This indicates that the data does not support the alternative hypothesis, and the default explanation (null hypothesis) is retained.
It is important to note that alternative hypotheses are not restricted to two options; there can be multiple alternative hypotheses competing with the null hypothesis. The choice of the alternative hypothesis depends on the research question and the specific variables being studied.
In summary, alternative hypotheses in biology refer to the competing explanations proposed to explain a scientific question or observation. These hypotheses are tested against the null hypothesis, and statistical analysis is used to evaluate the evidence supporting or rejecting the alternative hypothesis.