When Is a Directional Hypothesis?

A directional hypothesis is a prediction made by a researcher regarding a positive or negative change, relationship, or difference between two variables of a population. This prediction is typically based on past research, accepted theory, extensive experience, or literature on the topic.

When should a hypothesis be directional?

Suggested Answer: No, it should be non-directional. Directional hypotheses are used when previous research suggests that the findings of a study will go in a particular direction; however, as the extract says 'a psychologist was not aware of any previous research', a directional hypothesis would not be appropriate.

What is an example of a directional hypothesis?

Directional hypothesis: A directional (or one tailed hypothesis) states which way you think the results are going to go, for example in an experimental study we might say…”Participants who have been deprived of sleep for 24 hours will have more cold symptoms in the following week after exposure to a virus than ...