Experimental method

Question 1

What is an Aim

Answer 1

What the researcher intends to investigate

Question 2

Hypothesis

Answer 2

A statement of what the researcher believes to be true

Question 3

Directional and non-directional hypothesis

Answer 3

Directional hypothsis- states whether changes are greater or lesser, positive or negative. States a difference

Non-directional hypothesis- doesn’t state what the difference is, just there is a difference or correlation or association

Question 4

Independent and dependant variables (IV and DV)

Answer 4

A researcher manipulates the independent variable and records the effect of the IV change on the dependant variable
There are different levels of the IV

Question 5

Extraneous variables

Answer 5

Any variable other than the IV that may affect the DV if not controlled

Question 6

Demand characteristics

Answer 6

Refers to any cue from the researcher or research situation that may reveal the aim of the study

Question 7

Investigator effects

Answer 7

Any effect of the investigator’s behaviour on the outcome of the research (the DV)

Question 8

Random allocation

Answer 8

Participants are allocated to conditions in an independent groups design using random method to control for participant variables

Question 9

Standardisation

Answer 9

Using exactly the same formalised procedures for all participants in a research study, otherwise difference in procedures could act as an extraneous variable