experimental method Flashcards
What is the aim of studying energy drinks and talkativeness?
To investigate whether drinking energy drinks makes people more talkative.
What is a hypothesis?
A statement made at the start of a study describing the relationship between variables.
What is a directional hypothesis?
A hypothesis that makes clear the sort of difference anticipated between two groups.
Example of a directional hypothesis?
People who drink SpeedUpp become more talkative than those who don’t.
What is a non-directional hypothesis?
A hypothesis stating there is a difference between groups, but not specifying the nature of the difference.
Example of a non-directional hypothesis?
People who drink SpeedUpp differ in talkativeness compared to those who don’t.
What method is used to test the energy drink theory?
Experimental method.
How is the experimental method used in the study?
Participants are given SpeedUpp or water and their talkativeness is measured.
What is the independent variable (IV) in the study?
Whether participants drink SpeedUpp or water.
What is the dependent variable (DV) in the study?
The number of words participants say in five minutes.
What are the two levels of the IV?
No SpeedUpp (control) and drinking SpeedUpp (experimental).
What is a control condition?
A condition where participants do not receive the experimental treatment.
Why are control conditions important?
To ensure that any change in DV is due to the IV alone.
What does operationalising variables mean?
Making variables measurable and testable.
Example of operationalising the hypothesis?
After drinking 300 ml of SpeedUpp, participants say more words in five minutes than those drinking water.
Why should variables be operationalised?
To avoid them being fuzzy and to ensure clarity and testability.
When should a directional hypothesis be used?
When there is previous research or theory suggesting a specific outcome.
When should a non-directional hypothesis be used?
When findings are mixed or contradictory.
What is an experimental hypothesis?
A hypothesis used when employing the experimental method.
What is SpeedUpp?
A new energy drink used to test the hypothesis about talkativeness.
What is the benefit of using an experimental method?
It allows the researcher to manipulate the IV and measure the effect on the DV.
What does a well-written hypothesis state?
It clearly states the IV and DV and the expected relationship between them.
What is the aim of operationalising variables?
To make psychological concepts like talkativeness measurable.
Why is it important to compare groups in an experiment?
To determine the effect of the independent variable.
