PROCESS OF SCIENCE Explain why researchers formulate a null hypothesis in addition to a hypothesis when designing an experimental study.

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1. Researchers formulate a null hypothesis to establish a baseline or default position that there is no effect or no difference between groups in an experimental study. This allows for a clear comparison against the experimental hypothesis.
2. The null hypothesis is used to set up statistical tests that can determine the probability of observing the experimental results if the null hypothesis were true. This helps in assessing the significance of the results.
3. Formulating a null hypothesis helps in ensuring objectivity in scientific experiments. It prevents researchers from only looking for evidence that supports their original hypothesis and disregards contrary data.
4. By attempting to disprove the null hypothesis, researchers can provide stronger evidence for the experimental hypothesis. If the null hypothesis is rejected after statistical analysis, it supports the alternative hypothesis that there is an effect or a difference.
5. The use of a null hypothesis is crucial for the reproducibility of experiments. It provides a standardized method to test and compare results across different studies, enhancing the reliability of scientific conclusions.