The purpose of this paper is to understand the importance of having a null hypothesis as well as an alternative hypothesis in a scientific research study. Primarily, study will look in to the value of having the dual hypothesis and how it compliment the findings of the study. Further, it will take an in-depth look into the see how research findings bring clarity making it easier for decision makers to implement the recommendations

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A study to determine the importance of null and alternate hypothesis in a scientific research
study and its impact to the validity of the research outcome
Charm Rammandala
California Intercontinental University

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Abstract
The purpose of this study is to understand the importance of having a null hypothesis as well as
an alternative hypothesis in a scientific research study. Primarily, study will look in to the value
of having the dual hypothesis and how it compliment the findings of the study. Further, it will
take an in-depth look into the see how research findings bring clarity making it easier for
decision makers to implement the recommendations

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Introduction
Scientific research are becoming an essential tool in the modern day decision making process.
Managers are increasingly rely on the findings to make accurate and informed decisions which
would have significant impact on the performance of the company.
Most researchers take scientific research approach as it is the most reliable option available
(Basking 2002). Null and alternate hypothesis are fundamental part of the scientific approach and
this helps to formulate the research strategy and stay focus. As a result of the logical approach it
takes, managers will have little doubt about the validity of the outcome hence making it easier to
take decisions based on the findings.

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Main Body
Research studies are a common practice in the modern business world. Due to the intense
competition in the market place, managers need to make important strategic business decisions
daily basis. Most of the results of these decision will have a direct impact to the employees or the
customers and inevitably will have an impact on the company bottom line. Therefore it is
paramount that outcome of those studies are accurate as possible
Scientific research approach to decision making
Scientific research are the most sort after research method in the corporate world. This will
ensure research outcome reached after following a logical sequences and carefully selected
sample data analysis. However most of the issues managers face are not easily quantifiable.
Some of the examples are “customer satisfaction on product A vs B” or “How the company
culture having an impact on the new employees”.
In order to reduce the guess work and following the instincts when conducting the research, Sir
Carl Popper suggested following the Hypothetico-deductive method. This method provide a
systematic, approach to conduct research studies which needs solutions for the business world.
Hypothetico-deductive method consist of seven steps (Sekaran & Bougie 2009). Those are,
1. Identify a broad problem area
2. Define the problem statement
3. Develop hypotheses
4. Determine measures
5. Data collection

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6. Data analysis
7. Interpretation of data
Impact of hypothesis to research study
One of the most significant aspect of the hypothetico-deductive method is to develop hypothesis
for the study. Hypothesis are the basis of the study which determine the focus and the direction
(Crouch & Hudson 2003). It helps the researcher to clearly state the purpose of the study.
Further hypothesis will help to determine which variables have the significance to the study and
avoid focusing on insignificant variables, making way to reach a solid conclusion. Essentially
good hypothesis should have a logical consistency and should be able to test.
Selecting most suitable variables is one of the most important task of the researcher. Having a
operationalized variables which can be measured & quantifiable is very important to the validity
of the outcome (McMillian 1998)
In order to have a logical sequence, it is important to have a positive and negative hypothesis for
the variables chosen to test. These are called null hypothesis (Ho) and alternative hypothesis
(Ha). Generally null hypothesis reflect the alternative to the main research hypothesis which the
researcher interested in finding out. Some of the examples for null and alternate hypotheses are
as below.
Ha – Advertising on TV will increase the sales of product A
Ho – Advertising on TV will not increase the sales of product A
An alternative hypothesis suggest there is a statistical significant to suggest that the advertising
having an positive impact on the sales of product A. Null hypothesis on the other hand, is the

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hypothesis that states that there is no statistical significant relationship between TV
advertisements and sales of product A. once the sample selection done and data collected,
researcher could come to a conclusion based on the results of the data analysis.
As we can see from the example, research is carried out within the variables selected prior to the
data collection and results gives clear picture to managers who use findings to make informed
decisions.
It is important to note that hypothesis can be tested in both qualitative and quantitative studies.
This is important as most occasions companies need feedback regarding employee grievances
and concerns as well as customer satisfactions which needs qualitative studies.
Managers who have sufficient knowledge in interpreting research findings will be able to
correlate findings with the problem in hand to determine the best solution for the problem.
Conclusion
It is widely accepted that information is the wealth in today’s world. However having the right
information in the right format is the real wealth for any manager in the corporate world.
Decisions managers make have a significant impact on the company’s bottom line. Some of the
decisions are to solve or improve internal operations and others are to improve or solve external
situations. Regardless of the situation, it is important that manager has the right information to
make an informed decisions. This will be resolved through having a consultant doing a scientific
research study on the problem in hand. As a result of methodically constructed study, using

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focused null and alternative hypothesis will ensure the quality of the study. As a result managers
will have a clear idea on the findings and in-tern help to make sound decisions.
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