RM: experimental method + control of variables

Question 1

What is a hypothesis

Answer 1

• statement made at the start of a study that states relationship between variables

Question 2

what are the two types of hypothesis

Answer 2

directional hypothesis + non directional hypothesis

Question 3

directional hypothesis

Answer 3

the researcher states the anticipated direction of the difference/relationship
i.e. people who drink coffee have more energy

Question 4

non-directional hypothesis

Answer 4

difference between conditions/groups of people but nature of difference is not specified
i.e. people who drink coffee differ in terms of energy levels compared to people who dont drink coffee

Question 5

why would a person use a directional hypothesis

Answer 5

if findings of a previous study suggest a particular outcome

Question 6

extraneous variables

Answer 6

any variable (other than IV) that may have an effect on the DV if not controlled
- described as ‘nuisance variables’

Question 7

confounding variables

Answer 7

any variable (other than IV) that may have affected DV so we cannot be sure of the true sources to changes to the DV

Question 8

operationalisation meaning

Answer 8

clearly defining variables in terms of how they can be measured

Question 9

demand characteristics

Answer 9

cues from researcher/research situation that may be interpreted as revealing purpose of the experiment
- ppt may change behaviour accordingly

Question 10

investigator effects

Answer 10

any effect of the investigator’s behaviour, on the research outcome (DV)

Question 11

standardisation

Answer 11

using exactly the same formalised procedures + instructions for all ppts in a study

Question 12

randomisation

Answer 12

the use of chance in order to control for the effect of bias when designing materials and deciding the order of conditions