Aims and Hypotheses Flashcards
What is an ‘aim’ of a study?
A general statement about what the researcher intends to study.
States the purpose of the study.
What is a ‘hypothesis’?
A precise and testable statement that states the relationship between variables.
What are the two types of hypotheses?
- Directional
- Non-Directional
What is a directional hypothesis?
It states the effect on the variables and which way the effect will go (has a direction).
What is a non-directional hypothesis?
It states the effect on the variables but does not state which way the effect will go (no direction).
In an experiment, an example of a directional hypothesis would be…
stating that one condition will score higher or lower than the other condition.
In an experiment, an example of a non-directional hypothesis would be…
stating that there will be a difference between the conditions but NOT stating which condition will score higher or lower.
How do psychologists justify a directional hypothesis?
Past research suggests that the findings will go in a particular direction.
If past research is unclear or there has been no past research in a certain topic, psychologists may use…
A non-directional hypothesis.
How do you structure a non-directional hypothesis?
There will be a significant difference between (IV1) and (IV2) in terms of (DV).
How do you structure a directional hypothesis?
Participants that (IV1) will have/do significantly (DV and indication of direction) than the participants that (IV2)
What is ‘operationalisation’?
Process of clearly defining the variables to make them testable and measurable.
