Experimental methods

Question 1

What are experimental methods?

Answer 1

The manipulation of the independent variable to see its effect on the dependent variable. This can be natural, field, quasi or labratory

Question 2

What are the aims of an experiment?

Answer 2

• General statements made by the researcher which tells us what they plan on investigating.
• This is the purpose of the study and are developed from their theories

Question 3

What is a hypothesis?

Answer 3

• A precise statement which clearly states the relationship between the variables being investigated. This can be directional or non directional

Question 4

What is a directional hypothesis?

Answer 4

• The researcher makes clear the sort of differences anticipated between the two conditions
• For example: People who drink energy drinks will be more energetic than those who do not

Question 5

What is a non-directional hypothesis

Answer 5

A hypothesis which does not state the difference between the two conditions

Question 6

When is a directional hypothesis used?

Answer 6

When there are theories or findings that suggest a particular outcome. If there is no previous research on it, a non directional hypothnesis is used

Question 7

What is an independent variable?

Answer 7

• The variable that the researcher manipulates

Question 8

What is the dependent variable?

Answer 8

• The variable that is measured by the researcher and whose change has been caused by the independent variable

Question 9

What are levels of the IV?

Answer 9

• Clearly defining Ivs and DVs through comparing a control condition and an experimental condition

Question 10

What is operationalising variables?

Answer 10

• clearly defining variables into exactly what you are measuring