Experimental Methods

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

general statement of what the research intends to investigate (purpose)

Question 2

Hypothesis

Answer 2

clear, precise, testable statement between the relationship of the variables said at the outset of the study, it predicts the effect of the IV on the DV or relationship between co variables

Question 3

The 3 types of hypothesis

Answer 3

directional or one tailed, non-directional or two tailed, null hypothesis

Question 4

Directional

Answer 4

states the direction of the difference or relationships. It is used when previous findings suggest a certain outcome

Question 5

non-directional

Answer 5

does not state the direction of the relationship and is used when findings contradict each other or there are no previous findings

Question 6

null

Answer 6

when no difference is predicted

Question 7

Independent Variable

Answer 7

Variable that is manipulated by researched or changes naturally so effect on DV can be measured.

Question 8

Dependent variable

Answer 8

Variable that is measured by researcher so effect should be caused by change in IV.

Question 9

Control condition

Answer 9

IV has not been introduced giving a baseline for results to make sure change is due to IV.

Question 10

Experimental condition

Answer 10

Contains the IV

Question 11

Pilot study

Answer 11

Small scale trial run of actual experiment. Involves handful of participants to road test procedures. Identify issues and modify so changed for real one. Can be used with self-report techniques to test out questions, and in observations check coding system.