Considering the use of null hypothesis in marine biology scientific research

Resumen

ABSTRACT. The null hypothesis (Ho) is a logical and philosophical resource that grants rigor and precision to scientific research. Its use in abidance to scientific method has been less frequent than the alternative hypothesis (H1). Nonetheless, when used it adds to the systematic logic inherent to the abduction of H1, derived through critical analysis within the basic theory in a given topic. The underlying difficulty in hypothesis construction, and ignoring its link to scientific method, tempts and taunts science students and researchers to sidestep it, with the risk of proposing it by sheer administrative obligation. Even so, the elaboration of Ho works as (self)criticism, allowing for a broader vision and to value H1 scientific formality, warranting that it be a rational, theory sound statement. An attempt is made to demonstrate the above by analyzing several examples in marine biology research. In this way, the Ho is a dialectic means that contrasts (hypo)thesis against anti(hypo)thesis, allowing us to examine the pros and cons of the H1, that helps in the generation of logical, theory based arguments that grant it plausibility.

KEY WORDS. Null hypothesis, alternative hypothesis, scientific method, systematic formality, abduction, critical analysis, marine biology, theory based arguments.