Booklet 3: Aims + Hypothesis

Question 1

What is a research question

Answer 1

An answerable inquiry into a specific concern, issue or theory

Question 2

How do you write a research question

Answer 2

• “Will there be a difference between…?”
• “Will there be a relationship between…?”
• “What behaviour will be displayed between…?”

Question 3

How do you write an aim

Answer 3

1. Read the source to understand what the research is investigating
2. Begin with ‘To investigate…’

Question 4

What is the Independent Variable

Answer 4

• This is manipulated/changed by the researcher and split into different experimental conditions
• You must always operationalise

Question 5

What is the Dependent Variable

Answer 5

• The behaviour that is being measured
• You must always operationalise

Question 6

What is a Hypothesis

Answer 6

A testable statement that predicts what the researchers expect the study will find

Question 7

What is an Alternate Hypothesis

Answer 7

A statement of prediction between the variables, can include a prediction of direction or no direction

Question 8

What is a Null Hypothesis

Answer 8

• A statement of prediction which suggests there will be no difference or relationship
• Suggests that any differences would be purely due to chance

Question 9

What is a One-Tailed Hypothesis

Answer 9

• Predicts a specific direction of results
• e.g. significantly more…

Question 10

What is a Two-Tailed Hypothesis

Answer 10

• Predicts a difference will be found, but are non-directional in terms of what will be specifically found
• e.g. significant difference…

Question 11

How do you write a hypothesis

Answer 11

1. There must be clear operationalisation of the IV AND DV
2. Include the word SIGNIFICANCE