Aims and hypotheses Flashcards
Define aim
A general statement of what the researcher intends to investigate; the purpose of the study
How do aims usually start
‘to investigate’
define hypothesis
A clear, precise, testable statement that states the relationship between the variables to be investigated. Stated at the outset of any study.
What are the types of hypotheses
- Null hypothesis
- Experimental hyposthesis
➣ directional (one tailed)
➣ non-directional (2 tailed)
Define directional hypothesis
States the direction of the difference or relationship.
It predicts that IV will have an effect on the DV and states how it will have an effect
Between 2 things (at least) of people/ groups/ conditions
What words are characteristic of a directional hypothesis
- more/ less
- higher/ lower
- faster/ slower
define non-directional hypothesis
Does not state the direction.
It predicts that the IV will effect the DV but does not say how. There are 2 outcomes.
e.g. drinking coke could:
1. improve drinking
2. impair driving
What is an experimental hypothesis
States that there will be a difference between the variables
What is a null hypothesis
states there will not be a difference between the variables
What variable effects which in hypotheses
The IV effects the DV
Which happens to the DV and IV in experiments
- The IV is the variable the experimenter manipulates
- The DV is the one which the experimenter measures
Can a hypothesis be proven
A hypothesis can be accepted or rejected NOT proven
define operationalisation
clearly defining variable in terms of how they can be measured
