Aims and Objectives Flashcards
Define aims
A statement on what the researchers intend to find out in a research study
Define hypothesis
A statement on the expected outcome of a research
Define dependent variable
The factor that is measured by the researcher
Define independent variable
The factor that is directly manipulated by the researcher, and is expected to affect the dependent variable
Define operationalise
Making sure that variables are in a form that can be easily tested
Define confounding variable
Any variable that varies from the independent variable that might potentially affect the dependent variable
Define standardised procedures
A set of procedures that are the same for all participants in order to be able to repeat the study
Define co-variable
A variable in a correlation analysis that is believed to vary systematically with another co-variable. It does not demonstrate a cause, but is useful in identifying where relationships between co variables exist
Define experimental hypothesis
A prediction that the independent variable will have an effect on the dependent variable
Define directional hypothesis (one-tailed)
A directional hypothesis states what effect the independent variable has on the dependent variable. “Music has a negative effect on recall”.
Define non-directional hypothesis (two-tailed)
A non-directional hypothesis states that the independent variable has an effect on the dependent variable, but does not state what effect it will have. “Music has an effect on recall”.
Define null hypothesis
A null hypothesis predicts that the independent variable will not have an effect on the dependent variable
Define alternative hypothesis
Any hypothesis except the null hypothesis
Define pilot study
A small scale trial run of a study to test any aspects of the design, with a view of making improvements.
Define a confederate
An individual in a study that is not a real participant and has been instructed now to behave by the researcher
