Formulating and testing hypotheses

Question 1

What’s the null hypothesis?

Answer 1

• there is no relationship between two things
• implicit and unstated

Question 2

What is the alternative hypothesis to the null hypothesis?

Answer 2

• that there is a difference between two things
• explicitly stated
• one aims to reject the null to support the alternative with evidence

Question 3

What is a hypothesis?

Answer 3

• predict how dependent and independent variables relate
• if…then statements
• should be stated in terms of concepts, not operational definitions

Question 4

What is a directional hypothesis?

Answer 4

predicts a specific directional difference, such as positive/negative and higher/lower

Question 5

What is a non-directional hypothesis?

Answer 5

predicts only a difference with no specific direction

Question 6

What are directional hypotheses tested with?

Answer 6

one-tailed T-test

Question 7

What are non-directional hypotheses tested with?

Answer 7

two-tailed t-test

Question 8

What is the Tilsik Method of testing hypotheses?

Answer 8

• pre-registered experiment
• development and pre-testing of stimulus materials
• online prolific sample
• steps to decrease “demand effects” (deception, between subject designs, manipulation checks)

Question 9

What is Tilsik’s study about (2021)?

Answer 9

• argues that the theory of statistical discrimination can also influence how decision makers view and justify stereotypes and discrimination
• statistical discrimination theory is a way of explaining employer behaviour in labour markets

Question 10

What were the results of Tilsik’s study?

Answer 10

• exposure to statistical discrimination theory increased participants’ belief in accuracy of stereotypes, acceptance of stereotyping, extent to which they discriminate against female applicants in simulation
• reading a critical commentary reduced these effects

Question 11

What methods were used in Tilsik’s study?

Answer 11

• survey experiment
• sample of 2000+ with managerial experience
• recruited from online platform
• random assignment to control group, critique group, theory + critique group, theory group