Aims, Hypothesis, Variables: Research Methods

Question 1

What is an aim

Answer 1

The purpose of the investigation

Question 2

What is an aim?

Answer 2

The aim states the purpose of the investigation and is a broad starting point that gets narrowed down by the hypothesis

Question 3

What’s a hypothesis?

Answer 3

A hypothesis is a precise and testable statement of what the researchers predict will be the outcome of the study, they must always include the dv and levels of iv

Question 4

What’s an experimental hypothesis?

Answer 4

Predicts what changes will take place in the dependent variable when the independent variable is manipulated

Question 5

What’s a null hypothesis?

Answer 5

A null hypothesis states that there is no relationship between the 2 variables being studied

Question 6

What is a directional hypothesis?

Answer 6

States the direction of the difference or relationship. Used when there’re previous findings.

Question 7

What is a non-directional hypothesis?

Answer 7

States that there will be a difference but not where the difference will occur

Question 8

What’s an independent variable?

Answer 8

The variable that is manipulated and changed between the conditions

Question 9

What’s the dependent variable?

Answer 9

The DV is the data that is collected.

Question 10

Operationalisation

Answer 10

Is a clear identification/definition of the observable actions to be recorded which enables the behaviour under review to be measured objectively.

Question 11

Control condition

Answer 11

Doesn’t involve manipulation of the IV

Question 12

Experimental condition

Answer 12

Involves exposure to the manipulation of the IV

Question 13

Situational extraneous variables

Answer 13

These are aspects of the environment that might affect the participants behaviour eg noise, temperature, lighting, time of day

Question 14

Participant extraneous variables

Answer 14

These are any characteristics of a participant that could affect the Dv eg IQ, mood, gender, age

Question 15

Demand characteristics

Answer 15

This is when a participant detects cues from the environment which makes them guess the aim of the study and change their behaviour as a result

Question 16

Investigator effects

Answer 16

Where A researcher acts in away to support their prediction and therefore effect the DV

Question 17

Order effects

Answer 17

When participants’ responses are affected by the order of conditions they were exposed to eg fatigue effects or practice effects

Question 18

Participant reactivity

Answer 18

When participants alter behaviour as they know they’re part of a study which can threaten internal validity

Question 19

Extraneous variables

Answer 19

• Variables other than the IV which could effect the DV and should be controlled

Question 20

Confounding variables

Answer 20

Variables which have effected the DV and have threatened the validity of the results