Experimental Methods A1 Flashcards
Define the Experimental Method
The manipulation of an IV to measure the effect of the DV
Can be lab, field, natural, quasi
Define Aim
A general statement of what is intended to be measured - purpose of the study
How are aims developed?
Developed from theories
Define a Hypothesis
Statement at the start of a study that clearly states the relationships between variables
What is a Directional (One-tailed) Hypothesis?
A hypothesis that states the direction of the difference/relationship
When is a Directional Hypothesis used?
When there has been previous research into the subject
What is a Non-Directional (Two-tailed) Hypothesis?
A hypothesis that states that there will be a difference between the variables but doesn’t specify what type of difference there will be
When are Non-Directional Hypothesise used?
When there is no previous research into the subject OR if the findings from previous research are contradictory
What is a IV?
Independent Variable - What is manipulated by the researcher / what changes naturally
What is a DV?
Dependant Variable - what is measured by the researcher, any effect on this variable should be because of the IV
Define Operationalisation
Clearly defining variables in terms of how they can be measured - it makes the hypothesis clear and testable
How can you test the effects of the IV?
Through using different experimental conditions
