experimental methods Flashcards
aim definition
a general statement of what the researcher intends to investigate, the purpose of the study
how are aims developed
developed from theories that describe the purpose of the study
hypothesis definition
a clear, precise, testable statement that states the relationship between variables to be investigated. stated at outset of any study
types of hypothesis
directional, non-directional
directional hypothesis
researcher makes it clear the sort of difference anticipated between two conditions
non-directional hypothesis
states there is a difference between two conditions but nature of difference is not specified
doing an experiment~ energy drink example
two groups of set number of participants will be gathered. one group gets energy drink, the other gets water (control). how many words they say in 5 mins is recorded
when directional hypothesis is used
when a theory or findings of previous research suggests a particular outcome
when non-directional hypothesis is used
-when there is no theory or previous research
-or findings from earlier studies are contradictory
what is manipulated in an experiment
independent variable
independent variable
aspect of the experimental situation that is manipulated by the researcher or changes naturally
dependent variable
the variable that is measured by the researcher. Any effect on DV should be caused by change to IV
what should remain constant during the experiment
any other variables that could potentially effect the DV. This is so the researcher can be confident that any effect on IV was due to only the DV
what are the two levels of independent variable
experimental condition, control condition
what is the experimental condition
the group that has what the study is testing for example has energy drink
