Aims, Hypothesis and Variables Flashcards
What is an IV?
The variable which is believed to affect another is called the independent variable. This is the variable that the researcher is manipulating or changing.
What is a DV?
The variable that is likely to be affected by the independent variable is called the depend variable. These are the results that are measured by the researcher.
What is operationalising?
Operationalising is when variables are clearly defined so that they can be manipulated (IV) and measured (DV)
How do you operationalise the IV?
Creating two or more groups (called ‘conditions’) between which the variable is changed. One condition is often made a ‘control condition’ where no manipulation takes place. The one that is changed is the ‘experimental condition’
How do you operationalise the DV?
By specifically stating how the variable is going to be measured, this often includes the unit of measurement.
How do we formulate a hypothesis?
Once the aim has been decided and the variables have been operationalised , it is translated into a hypothesis (a prediction)
What’s the difference between an aim and a hypothesis?
An aim states what you are investigating, a hypothesis is a prediction of what you think will happen.
What are the two contradictory hypotheses?
They cover the two possible outcomes of the experiment.
The null hypothesis - states the IV does not affect the DV.
The experimental/alternative hypothesis - states that any differences between conditions will be a result of the IV.
Explain the two subsections of an experimental hypothesis.
The experimental hypothesis can be directional or non-directional.
• Directional - predicts the IV will have an effect and states what the effect will be
• Non directional - predicts the IV will have an effect but does not state what the effect will be
How do we know whether to use a directional or non-directional hypothesis?
directional - previous research
non directional - no previous research
How do you write a directional hypothesis?
[ 1st IV ] will have a significantly higher/lower/shorter/longer [ DV measurement ] than [ 2nd IV ]
How do you write a non-directional hypothesis?
There will be a significant difference in
[ DV measurement ] between [ 1st IV ] and [ 2nd IV ]
How do you write a nul hypothesis?
There will be no significant difference in [ DV measurement ] between [ 1st IV ] and [ 2nd IV ]
