The experimental process

Question 1

What is an aim within an experiment?

Answer 1

Aims are developed from theories, they are general statements that describe the purpose of an investigation.

Question 2

What is a hypothesis within an experiment?

Answer 2

A hypothesis is a clear statement that states the the relationship between the variables being investigated.

Question 3

What are the two types of hypothesis’s?

Answer 3

There are directional and non-directional hypothesis’s

Directional - the researcher makes clear the sort of difference that is anticipated between two conditions or two groups of people

Non - directional - states that there is a difference between conditions or groups of people

Question 4

What is an experimental method?

Answer 4

Involves the manipulation of an independent variable to measure the effect on the dependent variable. Experiments may be field, lab, natural or quasi

Question 5

What is an independent variable?

Answer 5

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

Question 6

What is a dependent variable?

Answer 6

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

Question 7

What is operationalisation?

Answer 7

To define the variables more clearly, often with units of measure, so that they can be measured quickly