Psychology A-Level
the null hypothesis
What the null hypothesis means in Psychology A-Level, as defined for OCR.
Definition of the null hypothesis
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain the null hypothesis in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
The position that there is no difference or relationship in the population, and any observed difference is due to chance.
Topics that use the null hypothesis
- Planning and conducting research (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- behavioural category
- confounding variables
- Counterbalancing
- directional and non-directional hypotheses
- ethical planning
- event sampling
- experimental control
- operationalisation
Using the 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.
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