MET 01 - Hypothesis and variables

Question 1

What does ‘aim’ mean?

Answer 1

A general statement of what the researcher intends to investigate, purpose of the study

Question 2

What does ‘operationalisation’ mean?

Answer 2

Clearly defining variables in terms of how they can be measured

Question 3

What is a hypothesis?

Answer 3

• A clear, precise, testable statement that states the relationship between the two or more variables to be investigated
• It is stated at the outset of any study

Question 4

What is a directional hypothesis?

Answer 4

• It states the direction of the difference or relationship
• In a directional hypothesis both sides must be mentioned (e.g. The more TV you watch the more likely you are to need glasses and the less TV you watch the less likely you are to need glasses)

Question 5

When do researchers use a directional hypothesis?

Answer 5

Researchers use a directional hypothesis when a theory or the findings of a previous research studies suggest a particular outcome.

Question 6

What is a non-directional hypothesis?

Answer 6

It does not state the direction of the difference or relationship

Question 7

When do researchers use a non-directional hypothesis?

Answer 7

Researchers use a non-directional hypothesis when there is no theory or previous research, or findings from earlier studies are contradictory

Question 8

What is an experimental hypothesis?

Answer 8

It states that there will be a significant change or difference in the outcome of the test/experiment

Question 9

What is a null hypothesis?

Answer 9

It states that there will be no significant change or difference in the outcome of the test/experiment. If there is a slight difference, then it won’t be big enough to confirm a significant change

Question 10

What do you put at the end of a null hypothesis?

Answer 10

“Any difference will be due to chance”