Variables

• All experiments involve comparing at least two conditions to see if a variable has an effect on an outcome
• When psychologists design an experiment, they need to identify the IV and the DV so that they can write these in the hypothesis • Aim- is a general statement generated by a psychologist based on what they want to investigate or find out e.g. To investigate if boys are more aggressive than girls • IV –The variable that is manipulated (changes from condition to condition). • DV –The variable that changes as a result of the IV (the results). Cause and effect is predicted between the two
• There are two levels of the IV The control condition (No speedup/drink of water) - The control condition lacks any treatment or manipulation of the independent variable
• Experimental condition (Energy drink) The experimental condition receives a direct manipulation of the independent variable.
• An aim needs to be changed into a hypothesis • Scientists change these aims into a hypothesis. This is a clear, testable statement that makes a prediction about what will happen in a piece of research. There are three types • Directional (one-tailed) • Non-directional (two tailed) • Null hypothesis • A hypothesis must refer to both the IV and the DV
• Operationalisation is the process of defining variables into measurable factors. • It determines how the researchers are going to measure an emotion, behaviour or concept. • Makes it more objective