Aims and Hypotheses

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

-The aim is a clearly phrased general statement about what the investigator intends to study
-The aim can include the purpose of the study e.g the development of a particular theory

Question 2

Difference between the aim and hypothesis

Answer 2

-The aim says what the investigator will be researching while the hypotehsis entails exactly how the research will be carried out

Question 3

Hypothesis

Answer 3

-A hypothesis is a testable statement that includes the levels of the independent variable and dependent variable (or co-variables if a correlational study) e.g there is a difference between the colour of light on the growth of plants

Question 4

Operationalisation

Answer 4

-Operationalised variables are clearly stated, showing how they are exactly measured e.g “testing the number of words recalled” rather than “testing recall” or “reaction time in milliseconds”
-Both levels of the independent variable need to be clearly stated e.g “the number of words recalled in green light” or “ the number of words recalled in blue light”

Question 5

Accepting or rejecting the hypothesis

Answer 5

-Hypotheses are not predictions, they are statements of fact that are either accepted or rejected by the researcher based off of data that is collected

Question 6

Null hypothesis

Answer 6

-The null hypothesis states that there is no difference between the measurements of the dependent variable as a result of manipulation in the independent variable

Question 7

Alternate/research hypothesis

Answer 7

-The alternate/ research hypothesis states that there will be a difference in the measurement of the dependent variables as a result of manipulation in the independent variable

Question 8

Hypothesis testing

Answer 8

-Hypothesis testing is when the data is collected and statistical testing is conducted on the data
-This provides evidence, and if the evidence is strong enough then the null hypothesis can be rejected and the alternate hypothesis can be accepted

Question 9

Directional (one-tailed) vs non directional hypothesis (two tailed) + examples

Answer 9

-Directional hypothesis states the difference in the measurement of the dependent variable (as a result of manipulation to the IV) and also states the direction of results e.g “there will be an increase in the number of words recalled in green light compared to blue light”
-Non directional hypothesis states the difference in the measurement of the dependent variable (as a result of the manipulation in the IV) but does not state the direction of the results e.g “there will be a difference in the number of words recalled in green light compared to blue light”

Question 10

When should a researcher use a directional hypothesis

Answer 10

-A researcher should only use a directional hypothesis when there is previous research that indicates which direction the results are likely to go

Question 11

Falsifiability

Answer 11

-Falsifiability refers to the idea that all theories have to be open to the fact that new research evidence could come along that contradicts the theory’s basic principles
-The longer a theory withstands attempts to falsify it, the more confidence we have in the theory, however, we can never be 100% confidence about a theory