variables, aims and hypotheses Flashcards
dependent variable
the variable that is measured by the researcher. any effect on the dependent variable should be caused by a chance in the independent variable
variable
any factor that can vary or change within an investigation.
independent variable
the variable of the experimental situation that is manipulated by the researcher so the effect on the dependent variable can be measured
aim
a general statement of what the researcher intends to investigate (the purpose of the study).
‘to find out whether…’
experimental group/condition
the group/condition in the experiment that received the experimental treatment
control group/condition
the group/condition in the experiment that receives no treatment
operationalisation
Clearly defining variables in terms of how they can be measured
clearly specifying/defining observable behaviours that represent the more general construct under investigation/ to enable the behaviour under investigation to be measured.
what is an alternative hypothesis
a clear statement that states the relationship between the variables to be investigated
stated at the start of a study
directional hypothesis
states the kind (direction) of difference/relationship expected between 2 conditions/groups of participants
(e.g. less, more)
(statistical test- one-tailed)
non directional hypothesis
predicts that there will be a difference/relationship between 2 conditions/groups of participants
(e.g. there will be a difference)
(statistical test- two-tailed)
when do you pick a directional hypothesis
when there is previous research so that you can predict the direction of the results
when do you pick a non-directional hypothesis
when there is no previous research on the topic or when there is previous research but the results are conflicting so that you cannot predict the direction of the results
null hypothesis
opposite of an alternative hypothesis
when you predict that there will be no difference or association between the variables that you are studying
