Topic 5 - Research Methods (WIP)

Question 1

Define an ‘experimental method’

Answer 1

• Involves the manipulation of an independent variable (IV) to measure to effect of the independent variable (DV)
• Experiments may be lab, field, natural or quasi

Question 2

What is an aim? Give an example

Answer 2

• A general statement of what the researcher intends to investigate
• Tells us the purpose of the study
• Aims usually developed from theories based on many hours of research

Example:

“To investigate whether drinking energy drinks makes people more talkative”

Question 3

What is a hypothesis? Give an example

Answer 3

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

E.g. “drinking energy drinks causes people to become more talkative”

Question 4

What are the three types of hypotheses? Give an example for each one

Answer 4

1. Directional hypothesis = states the direction or difference that is anticipated in the relationship between the two variables

E.g. “the participants who drink an energy drink become more talkative than the participants who don’t drink the energy drink”

2. Non-directional hypothesis = states that there is a difference between conditions but the nature of the difference is not specified (does not tell us the direction of the relationship)

E.g. “the participants who drink an energy drink will differ in terms of talkativeness compared with the participants who don’t drink the energy drink”

3. Null