Methodology: Aims and Hypotheses Flashcards
Define ‘aim’.
The stated intentions of a study with clarity of the purpose and what the researcher wants to achieve.
Define ‘hyootheses’.
A measurable statement/prediction of the significant difference/relationship between the variables being tested.
State the 2 main types of hypotheses.
1) Experimental
2) Null
Define ‘experimental hypotheses’.
A measurable prediction that states there will be a significant difference/relationship between the variables being tested.
Give an example of an experimental hypothesis in cognitive psychology.
There will be a significant increase in the number of words recalled from a list of 10 when rehearsal is allowed for 60 secs compared to when it is inhibited by a task of counting backwards in 3s for 60 secs.
Define ‘null hypotheses’.
A measurable prediction that states there will be no significant difference/relationship between the variables being tested.
Give an example of a null hypothesis in cognitive psychology.
There will be no significant difference in the number of words recalled from a list of 10 when rehearsal is allowed for 60 secs compared to when it is inhibited by a task of counting backwards in 3s for 60 secs.
Any difference will be due to chance.
Define ‘directional hypotheses’.
A hypotheses which states the kind of difference/relationship that is expected to occur between the variables being tested.
Give an example of a directional hypothesis in cognitive psychology.
There will be a significant increase in the number of words recalled from a list of 10 when rehearsal is allowed for 60 secs compared to when it is inhibited by a task of counting backwards in 3s for 60 secs.
Define ‘non-directional hypotheses’.
A hypotheses which states a difference/relationship between the variables being tested but not what it will be.
Give an example of a non-directional hypothesis in cognitive psychology.
There will be a significant difference in the number of words recalled from a list of 10 when rehearsal is allowed for 60 secs compared to when it is inhibited by a task of counting backwards in 3s for 60 secs.
