The Experimental Method

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

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

eg. “The aim of the study is to investigate whether/how/if…”

Question 2

Hypothesis

Answer 2

A testable statement that states the relationship between the variables to be investigated.

Question 3

Directional hypothesis

Answer 3

States the direction of the difference or relationship.

Eg. “People who drink SpeedUpp become more talkative than people who don’t.”

Question 4

Non-directional hypothesis

Answer 4

States there will be a change/difference without stating the direction.

eg. “People who drink SpeedUpp differ in terms of talkativeness compared with people who don’t drink SpeedUpp.

Question 5

What are variables?

Answer 5

Any “thing” that can vary or change within an investigation. Variables are generally used in experiments to determine if changes in one thing results in changes in another.

Question 6

Independent variable

Answer 6

The variable that is changed or manipulated by the researcher.

Question 7

What is a Dependent variable?

Answer 7

The variable that is measured by the researcher.

Question 8

Operationalisation

Answer 8

Clearly defining variables in terms of how they can be measured.

Question 9

Experimental method

Answer 9

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

Question 10

Deciding which type of hypothesis to use

Answer 10

Use directional hypothesis when a theory or the findings of previous research studies suggest a particular outcome.

Use non-directional hypothesis when there is no theory or findings or previous research, or findings.

Question 11

Levels of the IV

Answer 11

The control condition: a variable that remains unchanged.

The experimental condition: the procedure that is varied in order to estimate a variable’s effect by comparison with a control condition.