Aims and Hypotheses

Question 1

What is an aim?

Answer 1

a general statement of what the researcher intends to investigate; the purpose of the study. EG ‘to investigate the effect of…’ ‘To study the role of…’

Question 2

What is a hypothesis?

Answer 2

A clear, precise, testable statement that suggests the relationship between the variables to be investigated.

Question 3

How many types of hypotheses are there? What are they?

Answer 3

2.

Directional and non-directional.

Question 4

What is the difference between an aim and a hypothesis?

Answer 4

the aim outlines the purpose of the study whereas the hypothesis is more precise and testable.

Question 5

What is a directional hypothesis?

Answer 5

When the researcher makes clear the sort of difference they expect to see. (less, more, higher, lower). Used when previous research has been conducted and has already shown a relationship or elements of the study are well documented.

Question 6

What is a non-directional hypothesis?

Answer 6

Simply states a difference between two conditions but does not suggest which way the results will go. ‘People will differ…’ Used when there is no previous research, or previous results are contradictory.

Question 7

Directional or non-directional?

Alcohol affects reaction time

Answer 7

Non-directional

Question 8

Directional or non-directional?

Boys are more aggressive than girls

Answer 8

Directional