Skip to content
    Psychology A-Level

    null hypothesis

    What null hypothesis means in Psychology A-Level, as defined for AQA, OCR.

    Definitions of null hypothesis

    Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.

    Check what you remember

    Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain null hypothesis in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.

    Reference: OCR

    The assumption that is held to be true when a probability value is calculated, and which is rejected when the p-value is small enough.
    OCR · D.1 – handling data
    A statement that there is no difference beyond chance, which a statistical test allows you to reject at the 0.05 level.
    AQA · Scientific processes (study guide)

    Topics that use null hypothesis

    Related terms

    Using null hypothesis in the exam

    Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.

    Practise Psychology questions

    Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.

    Start free

    A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge

    All Psychology A-Level terms