experimental methods

• experimental method

  involves the manipulation of an independent variable to measure the effect on the dependent variable
• aim

  general statement of what the researcher intends to investigate; the purpose of the study
• hypothesis 


  clear, precise, testable statement that states the relationship between the variables to be investigated. stated at the beginning of any study
• directional hypothesis 


  states the direction of the difference or relationship
• non-directional hypothesis


  does not state the direction
• variables 


  any 'thing' that can vary or change within an investigation
• independent variables 


  aspect of the experiment situation that is manipulated or changed naturally
• dependent variables 


  the variable that is measured by the researcher
• operationalisation 


  clearly defining variables in terms of how they can be measured