1) Aims and hypothesis key terms Flashcards
What is an aim?
A general expression of what the research intends to investigate
What is an independent variable?
The variable you change / manipulate
What is a dependant variable?
The variable you measure
What is an extraneous variable
Another variable involved that may affect the DV that isn’t the IV
What is a hypothesis
A precise, testable statement of what the researchers predict will be the outcome of the study
(E.g. instructions… do this)
What is meant by operationalisation?
Refers to the process of defining variables in practical, specific terms that allow them to be measured or manipulated in a research study
What is a null hypothesis?
Predicts no difference or no relationship between groups / conditions
Predicts that any relationship or difference will be due to change
What is an alternative hypothesis?
Predicts a relationship or difference between groups / conditions
What is a directional hypothesis?
(One tailed)
Predicts a difference or a relationship between conditions and states the direction of the difference / relationship
(E.g. which group will perform better)
What is a non-directional hypothesis?
Predicts a difference or relationship between groups / conditions but doesn’t state the direction of the difference / relationship
(E.g. there will be a correlation or difference)