alternative hypothesis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Specialised/TechnicalTechnical/Academic
Quick answer
What does “alternative hypothesis” mean?
In statistical hypothesis testing, the statement that contradicts the null hypothesis.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In statistical hypothesis testing, the statement that contradicts the null hypothesis; it proposes that there is a significant effect, difference, or relationship.
A term used more broadly in research and problem-solving to denote a plausible explanation or prediction that differs from the primary or initial assumption; any competing theory or proposition.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No substantive differences in meaning or usage. Spelling of related terms may differ (e.g., hypothesise/hypothesize).
Connotations
Identical technical connotations.
Frequency
Used with identical high frequency in academic statistics in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “alternative hypothesis” in a Sentence
The alternative hypothesis (H₁/Ha) states that...We tested the alternative hypothesis that X affects Y.The results failed to support the alternative hypothesis.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “alternative hypothesis” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We must hypothesise an alternative effect.
- The team sought to hypothesise a viable alternative mechanism.
American English
- Researchers hypothesize an alternative relationship.
- The model hypothesizes an alternative causal pathway.
adjective
British English
- The alternative-hypothesis framework guided the analysis.
- An alternative-hypothesis scenario was considered.
American English
- The alternative-hypothesis testing procedure was rigorous.
- We evaluated the alternative-hyphesis predictions.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in data analytics or A/B testing contexts: 'The alternative hypothesis for the marketing campaign is that the new webpage design increases conversion rates.'
Academic
Primary context. Used in statistics, psychology, medicine, and all empirical sciences to frame research questions.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would sound highly technical and out of place.
Technical
The core context. Integral to the methodology of statistical inference and experimental design.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “alternative hypothesis”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “alternative hypothesis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “alternative hypothesis”
- Using it to mean just 'another idea' in non-statistical writing.
- Confusing it with the null hypothesis.
- Forgetting to define it operationally alongside a null hypothesis.
- Writing 'alternate hypothesis' (though this is sometimes seen, 'alternative' is standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In most experimental contexts, yes. The research hypothesis is typically formulated as the alternative hypothesis (H₁), which is tested against the null hypothesis (H₀).
Technically, statisticians prefer the language 'reject the null hypothesis' or 'fail to reject the null hypothesis'. 'Accepting the alternative' is a common informal shorthand after rejecting the null, but it does not prove the alternative is true.
A directional (one-tailed) alternative hypothesis specifies the direction of the expected effect (e.g., A > B). A non-directional (two-tailed) alternative hypothesis only states there is a difference, without specifying its direction (e.g., A ≠ B).
While sometimes used interchangeably in informal settings, 'alternative hypothesis' is the overwhelmingly standard and recommended term in formal statistics and academic writing.
In statistical hypothesis testing, the statement that contradicts the null hypothesis.
Alternative hypothesis is usually technical/academic in register.
Alternative hypothesis: in British English it is pronounced /ɒlˈtɜː.nə.tɪv haɪˈpɒθ.ə.sɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɑːlˈtɝː.nə.t̬ɪv haɪˈpɑː.θə.sɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Alternative' as the 'A' team you want to prove is better than the 'Null' team. H₁ is your 'Hypothesis 1' (the one you hope is true).
Conceptual Metaphor
A COURTROOM: The null hypothesis is the presumption of innocence. The alternative hypothesis is the prosecution's claim of guilt, which must be proven 'beyond a reasonable doubt' (statistical significance).
Practice
Quiz
What is the correct relationship between the null and alternative hypothesis?