Hypotheses And Variables Flashcards
Theory
A suggested explanation for behaviour
Aim
A general statement that explains the purpose of the study
Hypothesis
A clear, precise, testable statement that is written at the beginning of an investigation. It states the relationship between the variables being investigated
Types of hypotheses
• alternative hypothesis
• null hypothesis
Alternative hypothesis
States a relationship (correlation or difference) between variables
Null hypothesis
A statement of no relationship (correlation or difference) between variables
Variable
Any ‘thing’ that can vary or change within the investigation
Types of variables
• independent variables
• dependent variables
• extraneous variables
Independent variables
The thing that is varied in an experiment- either deliberately changed or varies naturally
Dependent variables
The thing that the researcher measures in an investigation and any changes should depend on only the IV
Operationalisation of variables
Making the variable clear and precise
Cause and effect
When the only thing that affected the IV is the DV
Extraneous variable
Any variable, apart from the independent variable that could have an effect on the dependent variable
Standardised procedures
Using exactly the same methods and instructions for all participants in a research study
Randomisation
Using chance to control the effects of bias when designing a research study
