Experimental methods and designs Flashcards
What is an aim?
efers to the general statements that describe the purpose of an investigation and research area → based on theories .
What is a hypothesis?
is a clear testable statement that states the relationship between the variables to be investigated
What is a null hypothesis?
when you state there is no link between the variables → is no effect of IV on DV
What are the two types of hypothesis?
- directional
- non - directional
What is a directional hypothesis ?
the researcher makes a clear difference that is anticipated between the two conditions.
What is a non - directional hypothesis?
simply states there is a difference between the groups however the nature of the difference is not specified.
When would a researcher use a directional hypothesis ?
- Would use a directional hypothesis when there is previous evidence
If you’re the first you use a non directional hypothesis.
What is an IV and DV?
IV - what you change
DV- what you measure
What does operationalisation of variables mean?
clearly defining variables in terms of how they can be measured or tested
What is an independent group design?
two separate groups of participants experience two different conditions of the experiment.
Independent group designs evaluation
+no risk demand characteristics
- ppt variables influence as comparing different people
- twice as many ppt needed
What is a matched pairs design ?
participants are paired together based on variables and then one participant from each pair is allocated to the different conditions of the experiment.
Evaluation of a matched pairs design
+ Controls participant variables
+Ppt only take part in one condition so order effects / demand characteristics less of an issue
- matching may be time consuming and expensive - less economical
-ppt variables can’t be exactly matched
What is repeated measures design?
All participants take part in all conditions of the experiment.
Evaluation of repeated measures design
+ Don’t have individual variables / less ppt needed
+ comparing like with like
- Know what they are doing so could show demand characteristics / order effects
