Experimental Methods

Question 1

When do you use non-directional/directional hypothesis?

Answer 1

• Non-directional when no previous research, or previous studies are contradictory

Question 2

What is operationalisation and an example?

Answer 2

• Variables being investigated should be clearly defined and measurable. E.g After drinking 300ml of SpeedUpp, pps say more words in the next five minutes than pps who drink 300ml of water

Question 3

What is the idea of an non-directional hypothesis?

Answer 3

-States a difference between conditions but the nature of the difference is not made clear E.g people who drink SpeedUpp differ in terms of talkativeness compared with people who don’t drink SpeedUpp

Question 4

What are the levels of the IV?

Answer 4

• There are usually two levels of the IV, experimental condition and the control condition. E.g instead of compare pps talkativeness before and after drinking SpeedUpp say compare those who drink SpeedUpp with those who drink water

Question 5

What is the IV?

Answer 5

• The variable that is changed or manipulated by the experimenter

Question 6

What is the DV?

Answer 6

• The variable that is measured by the experimenter

Question 7

What is a directional hypothesis?

Answer 7

• Identifies the direction of difference between two conditions. E.g people who drink SpeedUpp become less/more talkative than people who don’t

Question 8

What is an Aim?

Answer 8

• Developed from theories and are general statements that describe purpose of an investigation E.g to investigate whether drinking energy drinks makes people more talkative