aims & hypotheses

• what is an aim?

  The aim is what the researchers wants to study/research. It states the purpose of the study/research.
• what is a hypothesis?

  A hypothesis is a clear, testable statement.
• directional hypothesis/one-tailed hypothesis

  This hypothesis states the direction the researcher thinks the study will go; there is one answer. A directional hypothesis is used if there is prior research on the topic that produced precise findings.
• non-directional hypothesis/two-tailed hypothesis

  This hypothesis does not state the direction the researchers think the study will go; it does not indicate an answer. A non-directional hypothesis is used if there is no prior research or varying results. 'There is a difference...
• null hypothesis

  This hypothesis states that there is no difference. A null hypothesis is needed for all research to be done - this is for falsifiability, if there is not a null hypothesis the research is not scientific.
• operationalisation

  When something is made extremely clear/precise. To operationalise we should add units of measurement. Things should be detailed.