This section includes the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.

Hypothesis (H_A)
 The hypothesis must be in one sentence "If (state independent variable), then will (cause the dependent variable)."

Null Hypothesis (H_O)
The null hypothesis must be in one sentence "If (state independent variable), then will not (cause the dependent variable)."

The hypothesis and the null hypothesis are to be exactly the same except the null hypothesis is to have "will not" within the dependent section (the part after the "then").

Think of the hypotheses as the answer to the problem being studied. The Hypothesis (H_A) is the "yes" answer. The Null Hypothesis (H_O) is the "no" answer. The null hypothesis is stating that if the independent variable changes there will be NO change to the dependent variable. The null hypothesis is NOT the opposite of the hypothesis.

You earn credit for having the correct format and you earn credit for clearly and accurately relating the hypothesis to the problem. Hypotheses are to be specific.

Rationale for Hypothesis
You must clearly state the supporting evidence (reason) for the relationship between the Independent and dependent variables. This section is the "why" you believe the independent variable (what you changed) causes the dependent variable. The rationale is a detailed, clear, and relevant explanation of why Independent Variable causes the Dependent Variable. Do not restate the hypothesis.