Hypothesis Flashcards
What is a hypothesis?
-A hypothesis is a testable statement written as a prediction of what the researcher expects to find as a result of their experiment
-Includes the independent variable (IV) and the dependent variable (DV)
Both IV & DV need to be operationalised - giving specifics on how each variable is to be manipulated or measured
What is an experimental hypothesis?
-Directly predicts the effects of the IV and the DV
-The hypothesis can be written as a directional hypothesis or as a non directional hypothesis.
What is a directional experimental hypothesis?
-Known as one tailed
-predicts the direction of the change/difference
-Usually used when there is prior research which supports a particular theory or outcome
-Will include comparative words
What is a non directional experimental hypothesis?
-two tailed
-Does not predict the direction of the change/difference
-Usually when there is no or little prior research which supports a particular theory outcome.
-Tends to use the same wording at the start
What is a null hypothesis?
-what all research starts with as it is ‘ground zero’ of the research process
-The null hypothesis has to begin with the idea that the IV will have no effect on the DV because until the experiment is run and the results are analysed it is impossible to state anything else!
-To turn a non-directional hypothesis into a null hypothesis only one word needs to be changed: ‘a’ into ‘no’:
What are pilot studies?
- Small scale trial investigations that test some or all aspects of the intended investigation
- carried out prior to the research to identify any issues which could arise
- identify problems in the design, method or analysis, allowing them to be altered and fixed
-Participants can also help identify issues and propose changes that stop demand characteristics from happening
-Changes are then made before the full research takes place to try and ensure a higher level of validity
