What does alternative hypothesis mean?

Answer by  snoozn (13)

An alternative hypothesis is an additional explanation. For example, some people would say that creation theory is an alternative hypothesis to evolution.

Answer by  dipoju (49)

In this context, it sounds like "alternative hypotheses" means other explanations. They believe they know the solution, but it is possible there is another answer to the question.

Answer by  Mable (3008)

Any hypothesis is an idea about what an answer or solution could be. Formally, there are steps toward testing, proving, or disproving the hypothesis. An alternative hypothesis is an additional idea about what the answer or solution might be. People use this phrase to say they have an idea about what to do, but are thinking of other possibilities.

Answer by  CJ98 (127)

A hypothesis is basically a conclusion you come to based on evidence. Therefore, an "alternative hypothesis" would be an alternative conclusion that the person needs to rule out before they settle on their primary hypothesis.