Experimental method

Question 1

Define the key term ‘Experimental Method’.

Answer 1

Manipulation of an independent variable (IV) to measure the effect on the dependent variable DV.

Question 2

Define the key term ‘Aim’.

Answer 2

General statement of what the researcher intends to investigate / the purpose of the study

Question 3

Define the key term ‘Hypothesis’.

Answer 3

A clear and testable statement stating the relationship between variables being investigated.

Question 4

At what part of the study is the hypothesis implemented?

Answer 4

At the start of the study

Question 5

Define the key term ‘Directional Hypothesis’.

Answer 5

States the direction of the difference between variables

Question 6

Define the key term ‘Non-directional Hypothesis’.

Answer 6

Doesn’t state the direction of the difference between variables

Question 7

Define the key term ‘Variable’.

Answer 7

Something that can change in an experiment.

Question 8

What are variables used for in experiments?

Answer 8

To determine if changes in one thing cause changes in another

Question 9

Define the key term ‘Independent Variable’.

Answer 9

A variable of the study that’s manipulated by the researcher or changes naturally, so the effect on the DV can be measured

Question 10

Define the key term ‘Dependent Variable’.

Answer 10

A variable of the study that’s measured.

Any effect on the DV should be caused by the IV.

Question 11

Define the key term ‘Operationalisation’.

Answer 11

Clearly defining variables in terms of how they can be measured