Since obtaining statistical significance is easier to obtain with a directional hypothesis (one-tailed test) than with a non-directional hypothesis (two-tailed test), why would anyone ever design a study with a nondirectional hypothesis?
The two tailed test predicts that there will be an effect but it does not predict the direction of the results. Non - directional hypothesis is commonly used for exploratory research, as in exploratory research the researcher may not be sure about the direction of the hypothesis. It can also be used in new research where the expected result or the direction might not be known. In contrast, directional hypothesis is used when the researcher has some knowledge or assumption backed up by previous literature concerning the research.
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