aims, hypothesis, variables

Question 1

experimental aim

Answer 1

• a statement of what researchers intend to find out in a study
• should be clear and outline the purpose of the study

Question 2

hypothesis

Answer 2

precise and testable statement of prediction about the outcome of an experiment

Question 3

4 types of hypothesis

Answer 3

• experimental
• null
• directional
• non-directional

Question 4

experimental hypothesis

Answer 4

• predicts there will be a difference/ relationship

Question 5

null hypothesis

Answer 5

predicts no difference/ relationship

Question 6

directional hypothesis

Answer 6

One tailed.
- predicts the direction of the results

Question 7

non-directional hypothesis

Answer 7

• two-tailed
• does NOT predict the direction of results

Question 8

what should a hypothesis include

Answer 8

• all conditions mentioned
  -operationaliseable
• future/past tense
  -decide if you are looking for a difference or relationship

Question 9

situational variables

Answer 9

• features of an environment that affect the participants behaviour

Question 10

examples of situational variables

Answer 10

• order effects
• heat
• time of day

Question 11

what are 2 results of order effect

Answer 11

• practice effect- do better in 2nd condition
• boredom/ fatigue- do worse in 2nd due to burnout/ tired

Question 12

participant variables

Answer 12

the way in which each ppt varies from each other, and the effect this can have on results

Question 13

how to control participant variables

Answer 13

experimental design

Question 14

investigator effects (experimenter bias)

Answer 14

• the experimenter unconsciously conveys to participants how they should behave
• they can often be unaware of their effect, however it can still have an influence nevertheless

Question 15

2 ways of controlling experimenter bias

Answer 15

double blind design
-(both the ppt and the person conducting the experiment could be blind to the aims/ or hypothesis )

Question 16

demand characteristics

Answer 16

• if the ppts know the experimenters intention or aims, they may change their behaviour accordingly.
• eg the screw- you effect

Question 17

how to control dc

Answer 17

Single blind design - the ppt is unaware of which condition they are in, or of the research aims.
prevents the ppts from seeking clues about the aims and reacting to them

deception - lying about the aims of the study, or using distracting questions