Research methods: experimental method Flashcards
what is an aim (2)
- a general statement of what the researcher aims to investigate
- aims are developed from theories
people have a theory that energy drinks affect how much people talk, as energy drinks contain sugar and caffeine and these substances increase alertness making people chattier. a new energy drink speedup has come to the market and a researcher want to know whether it might affect the talkativness of those who drink it.
create an aim for this experiment (1)
to investigate whether drinking the speedup energy drink makes people more talkative
define the term hypothesis (2)
- a clear and testable statement made at the start of a study which predicts the relationship between the variables being investigated (Independant variable and Dependant variable)
eg “drinking speedup (IV) causes people to become more talkative (DV)” - the researcher then conducts the investigation to see if the hypothesis is supported or rejected
what are the 3 types of hypothesis ? (3)
- null hypothesis
- directional hypothesis (one-tailed hypothesis)
- non-directional hypothesis (two-tailed hypothesis)
what is a null hypothesis ? (
a hypothesis which states that the IV will have no effect on the DV
define the term directional hypothesis and formulate a directional hypothesis based on a study which investigates the difference in chattiness between a group who drank speedup energy drink and another group which drank water. (2)
- a hypothesis which states the direction of the relationship between variables or difference (between experimental group and control group)
- eg “people who drink speedup become more talkative than people who drink water”
define the term non directiomal hypothesis and formulate a non-directional hypothesis based on a study which investigates the difference in chattiness between a group who drank speedup energy drink and another group which drank water. (2)
- a hypothesis which states there is a difference but does not state the direction of the difference or relationship
- eg “people who drink speedup differ in terms of talkativeness compared to people who drink water”
when should a directional hypothesis be used ? (1)
- if there has been previous research done in a similar area which has suggested a particular outcome
when should a non-directional hypothesis be used ? (2)
- if there has been no previous research done in that area to suggest a particular outcome
- or if findings from previous research studies in that area contradict eachother
