Experimental method Flashcards
(12 cards)
What is the Aim/Hypothesis?
A formal statement or prediction of what the researcher expect to find, It needs o be testable.
What is the independent variable?
The variable that the experimenter manipulates (changes)
What is the dependent variable?
The variable that is measured to tell you the outcome.
What is the hypothesis?
A formal statement or prediction of what the researcher expects to find, it needs to be testable.
What is a directional hypothesis?
It predicts the direction (scientific nature) between two or more variables. It is typically based on past research or on an accepted theory on the topic.
Also known as one-tailed.
What is a non-directional hypothesis?
It predicts that a difference will exist between two or more variables without predicting the exact direction of the difference. This usually happens because previous research has been inconclusive, and the direction (specific nature) of the effect of the IV on the DV cannot be predicted confidently.
Also known as two-tailed.
How to write a hypothesis?
- Make sure the IV and DV are clearer and measurable.
- You have states a relationship between the IV and DV and now have states an aim.
- You have chosen the appropriate hypothesis, e.g. directional and non-directional.
What is operationalisation?
Operationalising variables means defining variables in a clear, measurable way so that they can be tested in a study.
It helps to ensure the study is replicable and that others can understand exactly what was measured or manipulated.
How to operationalise the independent variable, example “noise levels”?
To operationalise what the experimenter will change, describe how exactly it will be manipulated. For examples, instead of just “noise levels”, say 2particippants will be exposed to either silence, 50 dB, or 90dB of background noise.
What is operationalising the dependent variable, example “memory”?
What the researcher measures must be clearly defined so data can be collected accurately. Instead of “memory” say “the number of words correctly recalled from a list of 20 after 2 minutes”.
Why is operationalising important?
It improves reliability - other researchers can replicate your study
It improves validity - ensures what you’re measuring reflects the concept accurately.
Reduce ambiguity - Avoids confusion about what the variables actually mean.
What are independent variable levels?
It refers to the different conditions that are manipulated by the researcher.
There is typically a control condition and an experimental condition.
