Also known as the “no difference” hypothesis, a null hypothesis states there is no relationship between measured phenomenon (the dependent variable) and the independent variable. Null hypotheses are often used as “first steps” toward further inquiry. To write a null hypothesis, ask a question and rephrase it to a statement that assumes no relationship between the variables. Examples: Q: Are teens better at math than adults? NH: Age has no effect on mathematical ability. Q: Do cats care about the color or their food? NH: Cats express no food preference based on color. Q: Does the number of pets correspond to the number of humans in a household? NH: The number of pets in a household is unrelated to the number of people living in it. Q: Do people who eat lots of sugar experience hyperactivity? NH: Hyperactivity is unrelated to eating sugar. Q: Do teens use smartphones to access the internet more than adults? NH: Age has no affect on how smartphones are used for internet access.