Lesson 5 - Aims, Hypothesis and Pilot Studies

Question 1

Aims

Answer 1

A precise statement about the purpose of the study and what it intends to find out
The aim should include what is being studied and what the study is trying to achieve

Question 2

Hyptheses

Answer 2

Specific, testable statement about the expected outcome of a study
Should be operationalised
First part that needs addressing is whether or not the study predicts causation or correlation
Differences in the DV resulting from manipulation of the IV are known as significant differences if it has been statistically shown using inferential statistics that the differences are highly unlikely to be due to chance

Question 3

Hypotheses Correlation

Answer 3

The researcher predicts a releationship between two variables being investigated

Question 4

Hypotheses Causation

Answer 4

Researcher predicts a difference in the DV because of the manipulation of an IV

Question 5

Null Hypothesis

Answer 5

This states that the IV will have no effect on the DV

Question 6

Alternative Hypothesis

Answer 6

Predicts that the IV will an have affect on the DV

Falls into two categories:
Non-Directional Hypothesis
Directional Hypothesis

Question 7

Non-Directional Hypothesis

Answer 7

This does not state the direction of the predicted differences between conditions

Question 8

Non-Directional Hypothesis

Answer 8

This does state the direction of the predicted difference between conditions

Question 9

Alternative Hypothesis Decision

Answer 9

Decision to use directional or non-directional is based on whether there is previous research in the field
If there is, directional hypothesis is used
If not, non-directional hypothesis is used
This is because previous research enables a prediction in which direction the results are likely to go in

Question 10

Writing a Hypothesis

Answer 10

Is it a test of causation or correlation?
Is it a null, non-directional or directional hypothesis?
Is it in the correct tense?
Have all the variables been included?
Have all the variables been operationalised?

Question 11

Pilot Studies

Answer 11

Small scale investigations conducted before research
Useful as they can help to identify whether there needs to be any modifications in the design of the planned study
Also help to determine whether it would be feasible and worthwhile to conduct a full scale study