5 - Aims and Hypotheses

Question 1

Define aim

Answer 1

A precise statement about the purpose of the study and what it intends to find out.

It should include what is being studied and what the study is trying to achieve.

Question 2

Define operationalisation

Answer 2

Defining variables in such a way as to make them easy to measure

Question 3

Define hypothesis

Answer 3

A precise, testable statement about the expected outcome of an investigation.

Question 4

What are significant differences?

Answer 4

Differences in the DV resulting from manipulation of the IV if it has been statistically shown that the differences are highly unlikely to be due to chance.

Question 5

Define null hypothesis

Answer 5

This states the IV will have no effect on the DV

Question 6

Define alternative hypothesis

Answer 6

This predicts that the IV will have an effect on the DV

Question 7

What are the two categories alternative hypothesis can be in?

Answer 7

Non - directional hypothesis : this does not state the direction of the predicted differences between conditions.

Directional hypothesis : this states the direction of the predicted differences between conditions

Question 8

What is the order of steps in setting up an investigation?

Answer 8

Decide an aim
Decide on IV and DV and operationalise them
Decide upon hypothesis and operationalise it