Research Methords : Experimental Methord Flashcards
What is an aim ?
A general statement of what the researcher intends to investigate
The purpose of the study
Developed from theories
What is an example of a written aim
To investigate whether drinking energy drinks makes a person more talkative
What is a hypothesis
A clear, precise and testable statement that states the relationship between the variables to be investigated.
It’s stated at the onset of any study
What is a directional hypothesis
States the direction of the difference/relationship
When is a directional hypothesis used
When there is previous research
What words are included in a directional hypothesis
Higher/lower
More/less
Faster/slower
Example of directional hypothesis
People who drink lucozade become more talkative than people who dont
People who drink water are less talkative than people who drink lucozade
What is a non- directional hypothesis
States the difference between conditions or groups of people but unlike a directional hypothesis the nature is not specified
Example of non directional hypothesis
There is a difference between…
People who drink lucozade differ in terms of talkativeness compared with people who do not drink lucozade
What is the experimental method
Involves the manipulation of an independent variable to measure the effect on the dependent variable
Experiments may be laboratory/field/quasi/natural
When should you use a directional hypothesis
When a theory or the findings of previous research studies suggest a particular outcome
When should you use a non-directional hypothesis
When there is no theory or previous research or findings from earlier studies are contradictory
Why should all other variables that may affect the dependent variable remain constant
So the researcher can be confident in any change in the DV was due to the IV and the IV alone
How do you test the effect of the IV
Need different conditions
What are the two levels of the IV
The control condition
The experimental condition
Why does a researcher need to operationalise the variables in the hypothesis
The main task for the researcher is to ensure that the variables being investigated are as measurable as possible
How do you operationalise variables
Add numerical values and measurements and BE SPECIFIC
What is the definition of operationalisation
Clearly defining variables in terms of how they can be measured
