8. Aims & Hypotheses

Question 1

What is an aim

Answer 1

• An aim is a statement of a study’s purpose.
• Research should state its aim beforehand so it’s clear what the study intents to investigate.

Question 2

What is a hypothesis

Answer 2

• Hypotheses are clear statements of what’s actually being tested.
• A hypothesis is worded in a way that states a prediction of what will be shown by the research.

Question 3

Types of hypotheses

Answer 3

• Null hypothesis
• Alternative hypothesis
• Directional hypothesis
• Non-directional hypothesis

Question 4

What is a Null hypothesis

Answer 4

• What you’re going to assume is true during the study. Any data you collect will either back this assumption up, or it wont.
• If the data doesnt support your null hypothesis, you reject it & go w your alternative hypothesis instead.
• Very often, the null hypothesis is a prediction that there will be no relationship between the variables (& any correlation is due to chance).

Question 5

Eg of a Null hypothesis

Answer 5

There will be no difference between eating chocolate & not eating chocolate on memory recall.

Question 6

What is an Alternative hypothesis

Answer 6

• If the data forces you to reject your null hypothesis, then you accept your alternative hypothesis instead.
• So if your null hypothesis was that 2 variables ARENT linked, your alternative hypothesis would be that they ARE linked. (you can be more specific on how theyre linked using directional hypotheses)

Question 7

What is a Directional hypothesis

Answer 7

• States the directions of the difference or relationship.
• We would use this when there is already pre-existing research that supports our aim.

Question 8

What are Directional hypotheses also known as

Answer 8

One-tailed hypothesis

Question 9

Eg of Directional hypotheses

Answer 9

People who drink Red Bull become MORE hyperactive than people who dont

key words: more/less. higher/lower. faster/slower

Question 10

What is a Non-directional hypothesis

Answer 10

• States there is a difference between the conditionals or groups BUT doesnt state the nature of the difference.
• We would us this when there isn’t pre-existing research that supports our aim.

Question 11

What are Non-directional hypotheses also known as

Answer 11

Two-tailed hypothesis

Question 12

Eg of Non-directional hypothesis

Answer 12

There will be a difference is memory recall for people who eat chocolate & those who dont eat chocolate

(stating there is a difference but not specifying the direction)