experiments - hypotheses and aims Flashcards
What is the independent variable?
- Variable that is changed/manipulated by the researcher
- to see the effect on the DV
What is the dependent variable?
Variable that is measured by the researcher to see the effect of the IV
What is meant by operationalising?
To be specific and clear when defining IV/DV to make it easier to measure
What is an aim?
General statement of what researcher intends to investigate (purpose of study)
Starts with ‘to investigate…’
What is a hypothesis?
Specific, testable statement where the researcher predicts what will happen between variables
What is a directional/one-tailed hypothesis?
States what the difference is between conditions
e.g. faster/slower/higher/lower
What is a non-directional/two-tailed hypothesis?
States that there will be a difference between conditions
What is a null hypothesis?
There will be NO difference between conditions
How do you write a directional hypothesis?
There will be a significantly higher/lower/faster/slower (operationalised DV) when ppts (operationalised IV condition 1) compared to when ppts (operationalised IV condition 2)
How do you write a non-directional hypothesis?
There will be a significant difference in (operationalised DV) when participants (condition 1 of IV) compared to when ppts (condition 2 of IV)
What does a null hypothesis state?
Results that were gained were due to chance and not the IV that the researcher changed/manipulated
When do you write a directional hypothesis?
When all past research has shown
When previous research has shown
When do you write a non-directional hypothesis?
New area of research
Limited previous research
Previous research findings have been mixed (some research has found)
