Research Methods - Aims And Hypothesis

Question 1

What is an aim?

Answer 1

A general expression of what the research intends to investigate; we know what and why but not how.

Question 2

What is an independent variable? (IV)

Answer 2

The aspect of the experiment that the researcher changes or manipulates.

Question 3

What is a dependent variable? (DV)

Answer 3

The data that the researcher measures. The effect should only be caused by the IV.

Question 4

What is an extraneous variable? (EV)

Answer 4

A variable other than the IV that may affect the DV and should therefore be controlled for.

Question 5

What is a hypothesis?

Answer 5

A precise testable statement of what the researchers predict will be the outcome of the study. It includes the levels of the independent variable and dependent variable (or both co variables for a correlation study).

Question 6

What is operationalisation?

Answer 6

Operationalised variables are carefully stated, demonstrating exactly how they are to be measured

Question 7

What is a null hypothesis?

Answer 7

State that there is no change (difference) in the measurement of the dependant variable as a result of the manipulation of the independent variable. Predicts that the results obtained from the investigation are due to chance alone.

Question 8

What is an alternative/experimental hypothesis? (Also known as a research hypothesis.)

Answer 8

States there is a change (difference) in the measurement of the dependent variable as a result of the manipulation of the independent variable. Predicts a difference or a relationship between group/conditions. E.g the will be a difference in the number of items recalled after drinking caffeine.

Question 9

What is a directional / one tailed hypothesis?

Answer 9

Predicts a difference, or a relationship between conditions and states the direction of the difference/relationship.

Question 10

What is a non directional hypothesis / two tailed hypothesis?

Answer 10

Predicts a difference or a relationship between groups/conditions but does not state the direction of the difference/relationship.

Question 11

When do you use a directional or a non directional hypothesis?

Answer 11

A researcher should only use a directional hypothesis if there is previous research that suggests which way the results are likely to go.