aims and hypothesis

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

• general statement
• of what researcher intends to investigate
• purpose of the study
• Writing frame: To investigate…

Question 2

Hypothesis

Answer 2

• specific, testable statement
• where researcher predicts what will happen
• between variables
• looking for difference between 2+ conditions

Question 3

Directional hypothesis

Answer 3

• one-tailed
• predicts direction they think results will go in
• state what the difference is between two conditions
• WRITING FRAME: There will be a significantly higher/faster (operationalised DV) when participants (condition 1 of IV) compared to when participants (condition 2 of IV)

Question 4

Non-directional hypothesis

Answer 4

• two-tailed
• does not predict direction they think results will go in
• state there will be a difference between conditions
• WRITING FRAME: There will be a significant difference in (operationalised DV) when participants (condition 1 of IV) compared to when participants (condition 2 of IV)

Question 5

Null hypothesis

Answer 5

• no significant difference between conditions
• results gained due to chance not IV that researcher changed
• WRITING FRAME: There will be no significant difference in (operationalised DV) when participants (condition 1 of IV) compared to when participants (condition 2 of IV)

Question 6

Experimental/alternative hypothesis

Answer 6

• directional or non-directional
• will be a significant difference between conditions

Question 7

When do you use a directional hypothesis?

Answer 7

• previous research shown/stated direction results will follow

Question 8

When do you use a non-directional hypothesis?

Answer 8

• no previous research to predict direction of results
• previous research findings are mixed
• limited previous research