Lesson 5: Aims, Hypotheses and Pilot Studies

Question 1

what is an aim

Answer 1

a precise statement about the purpose of a study and what it intends to find out

Question 2

hypotheses

Answer 2

• a specific, testable statement about the expected outcome of a study
• should be operationalised
• should include whether the study predicts causation or correlation

Question 3

null hypothesis

Answer 3

states the IV will have no effect on the DV

Question 4

alternative hypothesis

Answer 4

predicts IV will have an effect on the DV

Question 5

alternative hypothesis; non directional

Answer 5

does not state the direction of the predicted differences between conditions

Question 6

alternative hypothesis; directional

Answer 6

does state the direction of the predicted differences between conditions

Question 7

what decides whether we use a directional or non directional hypothesis?

Answer 7

• if there is previous research in the field- directional
• no previous research in the field- non directional
• previous research will enable us to predict which direction the results are likely to go in

Question 8

pilot studies

Answer 8

• small scale investigations conducted before research
• useful because they can help identify whether there needs to be any modifications in the design of the planned study
• can determine whether it would be feasible and worthwhile to conduct a full-scale study