Describe different types of hypothesis in research, using any examples.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2020). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [6] 1 mark for basic definition of each type of hypothesis (up to max 4) Max 5 further marks for detail/examples.
2. Hypotheses are testable statement;
3. They are based on a research question / aim;
4. The alternative hypothesis is the one being tested in a study;
5. The alternative hypothesis predicts a difference in an experiment;
6. The alternative hypothesis predicts a relationship in a correlation;
7. A two-tailed/non- directional hypothesis predicts just a difference / relationship;
8. A one-tailed/directional hypothesis in an experiment predicts which level of the IV will be 'better';
9. A one-tailed/directional hypothesis in a correlation predicts whether the correlation will be positive or negative;
10. The null hypothesis is the one that is used in statistical testing;
11. The null hypothesis predicts that there will be no difference/correlation OR that any difference/correlation is due to chance;
12. e.g. Dement and Kleitman predicted a directional hypothesis that more dreams would occur in REM sleep than nREM sleep;
13. e.g. a suitable null hypothesis would have been ‘There is no difference in the amount of dream recall from REM and nREM sleep';
14. e.g. Baron-Cohen predicted a directional hypothesis of a negative correlation between AQ and eyes test;
15. e.g. a suitable null hypothesis would have been 'Any correlation between AQ and eyes test result is due to chance'.