experimental methods

Question 1

aims

Answer 1

aims are developed from theories

general statements that describe the purpose of an investigation

Question 2

hypotheses

Answer 2

statement that is made at the start of the study

clearly describes the relationship between variables as stated by the theory

can be directional or non directional

Question 3

directional hypothesis

Answer 3

researcher makes clear the difference that is anticipated between t he two conditions or two groups of people

would include words such as - more or less or higher or lower

Question 4

non-directional hypothesis

Answer 4

states that there is a difference between conditions or groups of people

unlike directional hypothesis the nature of what the difference is not specific

Question 5

deciding which hypothesis to use

Answer 5

use directional when a theory or the findings of previous studies suggest a particular outcome

non directional when there is no theory or previous research and findings from earlier studies

Question 6

independent variables

Answer 6

aspect of the experimental situation is manipulated by the researcher

Question 7

dependent variables

Answer 7

the variable that is measured by the researcher

any effect of the DV should be caused by the change of the IV

Question 8

levels of the IV

Answer 8

to test the effect of the IV we need different experiment conditions

two levels of the IV
control conditions
experimental condition

Question 9

operationalisation of variables

Answer 9

to create a operationalised hypothesis you need to create exact and detailed hypothesis

example:
after drinking 300ml of speedupp particpants say more words in the next five minutes than partipnats who drink 300ml of water

rather than - the group that drinks an energy drink will be chattier than the group that drinks water.