Aims and Hypotheses (RM P2)

Question 1

What is a Research Aim?

Answer 1

Stated intentions of what question(s) plan to be answered

Question 2

What is a hypothesis?

Answer 2

• Formal, unambiguous statement of what is predicted
• Must contain both conditions of the IV and the expected outcome of the DV, be operationalised and measurable

Question 3

What is a Directional Hypothesis?

Answer 3

• States whether the DV outcome is expected to be greater/lesser, positive/negative
• Used when there has been previous research which suggests the direction

Question 4

What is a Non-Directional Hypothesis?

Answer 4

• Doesn’t state the direction of the DV, just that there’ll be a difference
• Used when there’s no theory/previous research or it is contradictory

Question 5

What is a Null Hypothesis?

Answer 5

• Prediction of no difference between the two conditions on the outcome of the DV
• All experiments have a null hypothesis (won’t be asked to write one in exam)