Research Methods Y1

Question 1

Experimental Method

Answer 1

Involves the manipulation of the IV to measure the effect on the DV Experiments may be lab, field, natural or quasi

Question 2

Aim

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Hypothesis

Answer 3

A clear, precise, testable statement that states the relationship between the variables to be investigated
Stated at the outset of any study

Question 4

Directional Hypothesis

Answer 4

States the direction of the difference or relationship

Question 5

Non-Directional Hypothesis

Answer 5

Doesn’t state the direction of the difference or relationship

Question 6

Variables

Answer 6

Any ‘thing’ that can vary or change within an investigation
Variables are generally used in experiments to determine if changes in one thing result in changes to another

Question 7

Independent Variable (IV)

Answer 7

Some aspect of the experimental situation that is manipulated by the researcher - or changes naturally - so the effect on the DV can be measured

Question 8

Dependent Variable (DV)

Answer 8

The variable that is measured by the researcher
Any effect on the DV should be caused by the change in the IV