Aim And Hypothesis

Question 1

What is the Independent Variable (IV)?

Answer 1

The variable that changes OR is manipulated (by the researcher) to see if it has an effect on the DV.

Question 2

What should you name when stating the IV?

Answer 2

Both conditions (the different groups/factors that change).

Question 3

What is the Dependent Variable (DV)?

Answer 3

The variable that the researcher measures to see the effect of the IV.

Question 4

How do you identify the IV in an experiment?

Answer 4

Look for the different conditions – the factor that is changing will be the IV.

Question 5

What does operationalising variables mean?

Answer 5

Being specific and clear when defining the IV and DV to make them easier to measure.

Question 6

Why is operationalisation important?

Answer 6

If variables are vague, the research cannot be repeated to check for consistent results.

Question 7

Example of a vague DV?

Answer 7

“Memory” – too vague, not measurable.

Question 8

Example of an operationalised DV?

Answer 8

Number of words correctly recalled out of 30.

Question 9

What is an Aim in research?

Answer 9

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

Question 10

Top tip for writing an aim?

Answer 10

Always start your aim with the words “To investigate…”

Question 11

What is a Hypothesis?

Answer 11

A specific, testable statement in which the researcher predicts what will happen between the variables.

Question 12

Types of hypotheses?

Answer 12

Directional (one-tailed), Non-directional (two-tailed), Null.

Question 13

What is a Directional (one-tailed) hypothesis?

Answer 13

States what the difference is between the conditions.

Question 14

What is a Non-directional (two-tailed) hypothesis?

Answer 14

States there will be a difference between the conditions, but not the direction.

Question 15

What is a Null hypothesis?

Answer 15

States there will be no difference between the conditions.

Question 16

What helps decide on a directional vs non-directional hypothesis?

Answer 16

Previous research.

Question 17

In an experiment, what is the researcher looking for?

Answer 17

A difference between two or more conditions (e.g., which group has faster reaction times).

Question 18

Psychologists create hypotheses that are either…?

Answer 18

Directional or non-directional.

Question 19

What is a directional/one-tailed hypothesis?

Answer 19

The researcher predicts the direction of the results – what difference they expect between two conditions.

Question 20

Directional hypotheses are also called…?

Answer 20

One-tailed hypotheses.

Question 21

Writing frame for a directional hypothesis?

Answer 21

There will be significantly higher/faster/more (operationalised DV) when participants (one IV condition) compared to when participants (other IV condition).

Question 22

Top tip 1 for writing any hypothesis?

Answer 22

Must include the DV and both conditions of the IV (otherwise 0 marks).

Question 23

Top tip 2 for writing any hypothesis?

Answer 23

Must operationalise the DV and IV.

Question 24

Top tip 3 for writing any hypothesis?

Answer 24

Must be written as a prediction BEFORE the study.

Question 25

Non-directional hypotheses can also be called?

Answer 25

'Two-tailed' hypotheses.

Question 26

Writing frame for non-directional hypotheses?

Answer 26

There will be a significant difference in (operationalised DV) when participants (one condition of IV) compared to when participants (other condition of the IV).

Question 27

What is a null hypothesis?

Answer 27

An experiment also requires a null hypothesis. This simply states that the results gained were due to chance and not the independent variable that the researcher change/manipulated.

Question 28

When do you use a directional hypothesis and when would you use a non-directional hypothesis?

Answer 28

Directional – All past research has shown the direction the results will follow. Non-directional – There is no previous research to predict the direction of the results.

Question 29

Recipe guides for writing hypotheses in the exam?

Answer 29

You could be asked to write a directional or a non-directional hypothesis; this would be worth 3 marks!!

Question 30

Top tip 1 for writing hypotheses?

Answer 30

You must always talk about both sides of the IV e.g., you will not get marks for saying spent time in an institution or not - you MUST state spent time in an institution or did not spend time in an institution.

Question 31

Top tip 2 for writing hypotheses?

Answer 31

Always operationalise.

Question 32

What are extraneous variables?

Answer 32

Unwanted extra variables other than the IV (1 mark) that could have an effect of the DV, this would lower the internal validity of the study (1 mark). Something that could ruin your experiment!!

Question 33

3 main causes of extraneous variables?

Answer 33

Situational factors – things to do with the environment the research is carried out in e.g., task difficulty OR standardised instructions. Participant variables – things to do with the Ppts e.g., ages, gender, IQ, eye sight, hearing, personality. Experimenter variables – things to do with the researcher e.g., investigator effects.

Question 34

Can participant variables be extraneous in matched pairs or repeated measures?

Answer 34

TOP TIP!! These can only be used for an independent groups design, not matched pairs or repeated measures.

Question 35

What is a confounding variable?

Answer 35

This is when an extraneous variable is not controlled for and it DOES affect the DV and so it becomes a confounding variable.