What is the definition of a null hypothesis?

The definition of a null hypothesis is that it is a statement indicating there is no relationship or effect between two variables. This serves as a foundational concept in statistical hypothesis testing. The purpose of the null hypothesis is to establish a baseline that researchers can test against. By assuming no effect or relationship exists, researchers can then collect data and utilize statistical methods to determine whether there is enough evidence to reject this null hypothesis in favor of an alternative hypothesis, which posits that a relationship or effect does exist.

In the context of marketing analysis and research methods, understanding the null hypothesis is crucial because it helps to clarify the goals of a study and guides data analysis. The null hypothesis typically states that any observed effect is due to random chance rather than a specific intervention or relationship. This understanding is vital in interpreting research findings and making informed decisions based on statistical outcomes.