Aims and Hypothesis Flashcards
What is a research aim?
A clear statement outlining what a researcher intends to investigate, including the purpose of the study.
How can a research aim be phrased?
As a question or a statement.
What is an example of a research aim?
The aim of this research is to find out if colour can influence recall.
What is a hypothesis?
A precise, testable statement about the expected relationship between variables.
How should variables in a hypothesis be stated?
They should be operationalised, meaning clearly defined and measurable.
What is an example of a hypothesis?
There is a difference in the number of words recalled by participants recalling in blue light compared to participants recalling in green light.
How is a hypothesis different from a prediction?
A hypothesis is a statement of fact that can be tested, while a prediction is an expectation about the outcome.
What is a null hypothesis (H0)?
A hypothesis that states there is no difference or relationship between variables.
What is an alternate hypothesis (H1)?
A hypothesis that suggests there is a difference or relationship between variables.
Why do researchers begin with a null hypothesis?
Similar to the legal principle ‘innocent until proven guilty,’ it is accepted unless strong evidence rejects it.
What are the two types of alternate hypotheses?
Directional (one-tailed) and non-directional (two-tailed).
What is a directional hypothesis?
A hypothesis that states not only that a difference exists but also the expected direction of that difference.
What is a non-directional hypothesis?
A hypothesis that states a difference exists but does not specify the direction.
When should a researcher use a directional hypothesis?
When previous research provides evidence for the expected direction of results.
Why should we avoid using the word ‘prove’ in science?
Science is based on falsifiability, meaning theories must always be open to new evidence that could disprove them.
What should be said instead of ‘prove’?
‘The evidence supports the theory’ is a more scientific way to phrase it.
