How is a null hypothesis defined?

A null hypothesis is defined as a statement or idea that can be falsified or proved wrong. In scientific research, the null hypothesis typically represents a default position that indicates no effect or no difference in a particular study. It serves as a baseline against which the alternative hypothesis is tested. The key aspect of the null hypothesis is that it can be tested and scrutinized through statistical analysis. Researchers aim to gather evidence that either supports or contradicts the null hypothesis based on observed data.

This concept is essential in the scientific method because it allows for the formulation of hypotheses that can be tested through experimentation or observation. A strong null hypothesis is fundamental to any hypothesis testing, as it provides a clear claim that can be assessed, often leading to a conclusion about whether to accept or reject it based on the data collected.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of a null hypothesis. For example, a statement that can be conclusively proven is not characteristic of a null hypothesis, because science often operates under uncertainty and testing hypotheses. An untestable guess does not align with the empirical nature of scientific inquiry, where predictions must be testable. Likewise, a theory derived from multiple experiments is a broader scientific conclusion, rather than a specific falsifiable statement known as