Aims and hypotheses

Question 1

Aim?

Answer 1

a precise statement which identifies the purpose of the investigation, why it is taking place and what is being studied

Question 2

Hypothesis?

Answer 2

a precise,testable statement of what researchers predict will be the outcome of the study
-proposing possible relationship between two variables

Question 3

Types of hypothesis? NA: N

Answer 3

Null hypothesis!
-states there is no relationship between two variables being studied
-states results are due to chance and are not significant, not due to manipulation of IV
an example would be…(don’t have to learn, just for understanding) “There will be no significant difference in reaction times as a result of caffeine consumption”

Question 4

Types of hypothesis? NA: A

Answer 4

Alternative hypothesis!
-states there is a relationship between two variables being studied
-results not due to chance and are significant
-use of statistical tests to see if results are significant
an example would be…(don’t have to learn, just for understanding) “Caffeine consumption will significantly affect reaction times”

Question 5

Types of alternate hypothesis: DN: D

Answer 5

Directional/One-tailed hypothesis!
-predicts direction of results or nature of the effect.
- used when you have previous research to suggest which direction your results will be in
-e.g ‘There will be a significant REDUCTION in variable x as a result of variable y’

Question 6

Types of alternate hypothesis: DN: N

Answer 6

Non-directional/two-tailed hypothesis!
-predicts independent variable will have an effect on the dependent variable, but direction of the effect is not specified
-used when you do not have enough previous research to suggest which direction your results will be in
-e.g ‘There will be a significant DIFFERENCE in variable x as a result of variable y’