strong inference

Definition:
Strong inference: A concept referring to the test of a research hypothesis against an alternative (rival) hypothesis. Strong inference designs permit the elimination of at least one competing explanation (while supporting another).

Notes
We know that the basic causal comparative research design frequently lacks strong controls for alternative hypotheses. This design can, however, be greatly strengthened by testing a plausible, rival explanation against the research hypothesis. The concept of a design that tests a research hypothesis against an alternative hypothesis (or one that “pits” two explanations against each other) is called strong inference (Platt, 1964) and is one mark of a good research design.