Aims and Hypotheses Flashcards
(11 cards)
Aims
The aims of a study are what the researcher is trying to find out and they are often based on previous research. The aim(s) will inform the hypotheses
Hypotheses
A predictive statement about what the researcher expects to find. A researcher will always have 2 hypotheses experimental/alternative and null
Experimental/Alternative
This predicts that the researcher will find a significant difference or relationship.
Can be either one tailed or two-tailed
When is experimental hypothesis used?
When an experimental research method has been used
When is alternative hypothesis used?
When a non-experimental research method has been used
Directional or one-tailed Hypothesis
Makes a prediction and stated the direction of the prediction. This is used when a researcher is confident in what they expect to find as previous research is conclusive.
Non-Directional or two-tailed Hypothesis
This makes a prediction without stating the direction. This is used when a researcher is less confident in what they expect to find as previous research is inconclusive.
Null Hypothesis
This predicts that the researcher will not find a significant difference or relationship.
Example of a directional Hypothesis
There will be a significantly lower number of correctly recalled images by participants exposed to music compared with participants not exposed to music.
Example of a non directional hypothesis
There will be a significant difference in the number of correctly recalled images by participants exposed to musics compared with participants who were not exposed to music.
Example of a null hypothesis
There will be no significant difference in the number of correctly recalled images by the participants with or without playing music other than a difference that could occur through CHANCE AlONE.
