Research Methods

Question 1

What is an aim ?

Answer 1

• The aim of the study is a generic statement about what the researcher intends to study, which is generated from a theory that they want to test
• It outlines what is being studied and what the study is trying to achieve
• For example, if the researcher wanted to investigate the effect caffeine has on memory, the aim would be: ‘to investigate the effect caffeine has on memory recall’

Question 2

What is an hypothesis?

Answer 2

• A hypothesis is a testable statement written so it can be tested in an experiment
• It needs to contain reference to the independent variable (IV) & the dependent variable (DV)
  Both IV & DV need to be operationalised - giving specifics on how each variable is being manipulated or measured
• For example - stating that you will measure ‘aggression’ as this is meaningless
• Instead, you would need to indicate how you are measuring aggression specifically. e.g., by counting how many curse/swear words were used by a person within 5 minutes

Question 3

What are the types of hypothesis?

Answer 3

-Directional
- Non-directional
- Null

Question 4

What is a directional hypothesis?

Answer 4

• Results will go in one direction only
• This can also be referred to as one-tailed & is an example of an experimental hypothesis
  For example, “A person will run at a quicker speed after drinking one 500ml can of energy drink”

Question 5

What is a Non-directional hypotheisis ?

Answer 5

• Whilst the hypothesis will still predict significant results, the non-directional hypothesis does not predict what way the results will go.
• This can also be referred to as two-tailed & is an example of an experimental hypothesis

Question 6

What is a null hypothesis ?

Answer 6

• This has to be written as well as the experimental hypothesis
• This is when the hypothesis states that there is no relationship between the IV & the DV
  If there is a relationship it is merely due to chance and not because of purposeful experimentation of the IV
  For example, “There will be no difference in the speed a person can run after drinking one 500ml can of energy drink”