Aims, Hypotheses, IVs & DVs

Question 1

What is an independent variable?

Answer 1

Variable researcher manipulates
Assumed to have direct effect on dependent variable

Question 2

What is a dependent variable?

Answer 2

Variable researcher measures
Variable affected by changes in IV

Question 3

What are the types of experimental hypotheses?

Answer 3

Directional Hypotheses - predicts specific nature (direction)of difference between 2 + variables
AKA one-tailed

Non-directional hypotheses - predicts difference will exist between 2 + variables without predicting exact direction of difference - usually bc previous research has been inconclusive & direction of effect of IV on DV can’t be predicted confidently
AKA two-tailed

Question 4

How do we write an aim?

Answer 4

Before researcher considers aim of experiment, there’s always research question to answer:
‘Does hunger affect memory for food-related words?’
Researcher creates aim of:
‘To examine effect of hunger on memory of food-related words.

Question 5

Give an example of a one-tailed hypothesis

Answer 5

there’ll be significant increase in number of food-related words correctly recalled by participants who’re hungry, compared to those who aren’t hungry.

Question 6

Give an example of a two-tailed hypothesis

Answer 6

there’ll be significant difference in number of food-related words correctly recalled for participants who’re hungry, compared to those who aren’t