Aims, Hypotheses & Variables

Question 1

What is an Aim?

Answer 1

• Precise Statement of a why a study is taking place
• Usually always starts with = “To investigate”

Question 2

What are Hypotheses?

Answer 2

• A clear precise testable statement about what the researcher believes will happen
• Hypotheses must be operationalised

Question 3

What is an Alternative Hypothesis?

Answer 3

• A hypothesis that predicts a difference in the DV as a result of manipulating the IV

Question 4

What is a Directional (one-tailed) hypothesis?

Answer 4

• This states the direction of the result and it is only 1 way it will go
• Previous research has been carried out before so can make clear judge
• Something will cause something to happen
• EG = Individuals ho consume 5 units of alcohol will Perform SLOWER in a reaction time than those who sent consume alcohol

Question 5

What is a Non-Directional (two-tailed) hypothesis?

Answer 5

• This states there will be a difference but doesn’t state which way it will go
• Usually there is no previous research so can’t make clear judge
• EG = There will be a DIFFERENCE in performance in reaction times for those who have consumed alcohol compared to those who have not

Question 6

What is a Null Hypothesis?

Answer 6

• Predicts that there will be no affect from the IV on the DV and instead the difference will be due to chance
• EG = There is NO DIFFERENCE between alcohol consumption and reaction times

Question 7

What are variables?

Answer 7

• In an experiment a researcher changes or manipulates the INDEPENDENT VARIABLE and records or measures the effect of this change on the DEPENDANT VARIABLE
• The IV is the thing that’s changed directly
• The DV is the thing being measured
• EXTRANEOUS VARIABLES are any variables that other than the IV may have an affect on the DV
• Controls are employed to reduce the affects of the EV but if they are not controlled they become CONFOUNDING VARIABLES (confuse) results

Question 8

What is meant by Operationalisation

Answer 8

• Being able to define variables simply and easily in order to manipulate IV
• Both IV and DV need to be operationalised accurately to maintain the integrity of research, without the study cannot be replicated and checked
• EG = We need to operationalise the amount of alcohol (5 units) and operationalise the time it takes to respond to a flash of light (seconds)