Experimental methods

Question 1

Definition of Aim

Answer 1

A general statement of what the researcher intends to investigate, the purpose of the study

Question 2

Hypothesis
(text book)

Answer 2

A clear, precise, testable statement that states the relationship between the variables to be investigated. Stated at the outset of any study

Question 3

Hypothesis (notes)

Answer 3

A statement/prediction of what results you expect to find after your experiment

Question 4

Difference between Aim vs hypothesis

Question 5

Directional hypothesis

Answer 5

Makes it clear that there are differences between the 2 conditions or two groups of people.
* The MORE sleep a pps has the better their memory performance

Question 6

Words used in directional hypothesis

Answer 6

Higher/lower, faster/slower, more/less

Question 7

Examples of Directional

Answer 7

People who drink … become MORE talkative than people who don’t
Students will remember MORE words in the morning THAN the afternoon

Question 8

Non-directional hypothesis

Answer 8

Does not state the direction of the difference or relationship

Question 9

Examples of ND

Answer 9

People who drink … differ in terms of talkativeness compared with people who don’t drink (same thing)
There WILL BE A DIFFERENCE between numbers of words recalled in the morning or afternoon

Question 10

Directional vs ND: When to use which?

Answer 10

• Directional - used when there already has been a range of research carried out before
• ND - no previous research has been done

Question 11

Difference between Directional vs Non-directional

Answer 11

• Directional - specifically states which will be higher and lower
• ND - just states there is a difference

Question 12

Which hypothesis to pick?
(ND)

Answer 12

ND (two tailed test) - researcher doubling chances of getting a significant of results.
Usually used if no previous research into your area/previous findings are contradictory

Question 13

Which hypothesis to pick
(Directional)

Answer 13

Directional (one tailed test) - researcher is ‘sticking their neck out’ + making a more specific prediction.
Usually used if previous research suggests a specific outcome, also used if psychologist is trying to disprove/challenge previous research

Question 14

Null hypothesis

Answer 14

A statement of no difference or no relationship

Question 15

Example of null hypothesis

Answer 15

There will be NO DIFFERENCE in the amount of words they recall and when they listen to music

Question 16

Alternative hypothesis

Answer 16

The alternative to the null (the prediction we believe to be true)

Question 17

Experimental hypothesis

Answer 17

A statement that predicts the difference you expect to find in the DV when the IV is manipulated/controlled

Question 18

Experimental method

Answer 18

Theory proposed –> Hypothesis/prediction based on theory –> variable manipulated (IV) –> performance measured (DV) –> theory supported or refuted according to the outcome

Question 19

Levels of the IV

Answer 19

Two levels: the control and the experimental condition

Question 20

Lvls of IV example

Answer 20

Students who complete a memory test in the MORNING (lvl 1 of IV) will recall more (directional) words (DV operationalized) than students who complete a memory test in the afternoon (lvl 2 of IV)

Question 21

Operationalization

Answer 21

Clearly defining variables in terms of how they can be measured. A more detailed version of the variables. Making something clear/unambigious

Question 22

Example of an operationalized hypothesis

Answer 22

After drinking 300ml of … , participants say more words in the next five minutes than pps who drink 300ml of water
VS
not operationalized - the group that drinks an energy drink will be chattier than the group that drinks water