Aims and hypotheses

• What topics are covered in the research methods video?

  Research aims and hypotheses
• What is the difference between research aims and hypotheses?

  Aims outline what to investigate, hypotheses state testable predictions
• What is an example of a research aim?

  To find out if colour can influence recall
• Why might a researcher want to investigate a specific area of psychology?

  Previous research raised interesting questions
• How can an aim be phrased?

  As a question or a statement
• What is a hypothesis?

  A precise statement that can be tested
• What must a hypothesis include in an experiment?

  Levels of independent variables and dependent variable
• What is an example of a hypothesis related to light and recall?

  There is a difference in words recalled in blue vs. green light
• What does it mean to operationalize variables?

  To define how they are measured
• Are hypotheses predictions?

  No, they are statements of fact
• What is a null hypothesis?

  It states no difference between conditions
• How do scientists treat the null hypothesis?

  They accept it unless evidence rejects it
• What is the alternate hypothesis also known as?

  The research hypothesis or H1
• What do statistical tests provide evidence for?

  To reject the null hypothesis or accept the alternate
• What are the two types of alternate hypotheses?

  Directional and non-directional hypotheses
• What does a non-directional hypothesis state?

  There is a difference but not the direction
• What does a directional hypothesis indicate?

  It states the expected direction of results
• When would a researcher use a directional hypothesis?

  When previous research indicates a specific direction
• Why should the word "prove" be avoided in science?

  Science is open to falsifiability and new evidence
• What is the probability threshold for accepting an alternate hypothesis in psychology?

  One in 20 or less
• What does accepting an alternate hypothesis imply?

  Evidence is strong but not perfect
• What should students say instead of "prove" in their essays?

  Evidence supports the theory
• What are the key components of research aims and hypotheses?

  • Research aims outline what to investigate
  • Hypotheses are testable statements
  • Aims can include purpose for the study
  • Hypotheses include independent and dependent variables
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of using directional and non-directional hypotheses?

  Strengths:

  • Directional: Clear expectations based on prior research
  • Non-directional: Flexible, allows for unexpected results

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Directional: May limit exploration of data
  • Non-directional: Less specific predictions
• What is the process of hypothesis testing in research?

  1. Formulate null and alternate hypotheses
  2. Collect data
  3. Use statistical tests
  4. Reject or accept hypotheses based on evidence
• What is the importance of falsifiability in scientific theories?

  • Theories must be open to new evidence
  • Non-falsifiable theories are not considered scientific
  • Falsifiability allows for ongoing testing and validation