Research Hypothesis (RH) versus Null Hypothesis (NH)

    The Null (nothing) hypothesis indicate no relations or we can say it states equality (H_0:μ1=μ2).As we are not aware of literature and theories, so null is a good point to start with. It states that there is no relation between two variables. For example, there is no difference between returns of spot and futures prices of Reliance Ltd (i.e. both market provides equal returns).

    The Research hypothesis (or alternate hypothesis), in contrast, states certain relationship between variables, based on some theory or existing literature. Thus, RH are statements of inequality. For example, returns of spot market are greater than that of futures market for Reliance Ltd (or vice versa, based on some literature).

    If we observe in literature, we see that generally NH are not reported for brevity (though they are reported sometimes), whereas RH are documented explicitly and lucidly. NH are for populations and RH are for samples. The main purpose for this write-up is to let researchers know that whatever we want to show, prove, disprove, or propose (based on literature review) all come under research hypotheses or alternate hypothesis.

Taken from the book: 100 Questions (and Answers) About Statistics  by  Neil J. Salkind.

Salkind, N. J. (2014). 100 Questions. Los Angeles: SAGE Publications Inc.

Top five commandments for writing a research paper

I was reading a fabulous article by Professor John H. Cochrane entitled "Writing tips for Ph. D. students". This article guides the research scholars across the world for academic writing. This is really impressive article for scholars who have started writing their papers and ready to learn the art of expressing their thoughts.

I have extracted five top commandments for researchers out of it. These five pearls are as follows:

1. Use triangular writing (Inverted pyramid) method. Present your contribution in few lines first, then create required background for requirement of your research and then explain in detail your entire story (like DADI amma) but each of your sentence should be cogent and precise.
2. Never repeat same thing in disguise of rephrasing. Same lines should not be in abstract, introduction, discussion or conclusion repetitively.
3. Be aware of target audience. Who are other researchers, referees and publishers and what do they already know? What addition your paper would make in existing literature?
4. Avoid technical jargons as much as possible, use appropriate grammar and use simple and short sentences.
5. "May economists falsely think of themselves as scientists who just "write up" research. They are not actually; they are primarily writers."

 Overall, pay attention to the writing in papers you read, and notice the style adopted by authors you admire. Avoid reading low-category journal papers as they spoil your writing skills. If you want to read the whole article by Cochrane, please click here