What is a 'Null Hypothesis' (H0) in research?

A 'Null Hypothesis' (H0) is a foundational concept in research and statistics that asserts there is no effect, relationship, or difference between the variables being studied. It serves as a default position that indicates any observed effect in the data is due to random chance or sampling variability rather than a true effect. By establishing the null hypothesis, researchers can use statistical methods to determine whether there is enough evidence to reject this hypothesis in favor of an alternative hypothesis, which posits that there is a significant effect or difference.

This framework is crucial in hypothesis testing because it allows researchers to apply statistical analysis to assess the validity of their claims, ensuring that conclusions drawn from data are based on sound evidence rather than mere conjecture. Thus, the null hypothesis acts as a benchmark against which the alternative hypothesis is tested, guiding the direction of the research and its conclusions.