Experimental Methods

Question 1

Experimental Methods

Answer 1

Involves the manipulation of an independent variable to measure the effect on the dependent variable

Question 2

Aim

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Hypothesis

Answer 3

A clear, precise, testable statement that states the relationship between the variables to be investigated - stated at the outset of the study

Question 4

Directional Hypothesis

Answer 4

states the direction of the difference or relationship

Question 5

Non-directional hypothesis

Answer 5

does not state the direction, only that there is a difference or relationship

Question 6

Variables

Answer 6

anything that can vary or change within an investigation They are generally used in experiments to determine if changes in one thing result in changes to another

Question 7

Independent variable

Answer 7

some aspect of the experimental situation that is manipulated by the researcher (or changes naturally) so the effect on the DV can be measured

Question 8

dependent variable

Answer 8

the variable that is measured by the researcher. Ay effect on the DV should be caused by the change of the IV

Question 9

Operationalism

Answer 9

clearly defining variables in terms of how they can be measured