Experimental method

• what is the experimental method?

  a method which involves manipulating an IV to measure the effect on the DV
• what is an aim?

  describes the purpose of the study e.g. to investigate whether leaving for lunch effects GCSE results
• what is a hypothesis?

  clear, precise, testable statement that states the relationship between two variables e.g. leaving for lunch will effect GCSE results
• what is a directional hypothesis?

  states the expected direction of the relationship between two variables e.g. leaving for lunch will increase GCSE results - used when there has been prior research to indicate a direction of the relationship
• what is a non-directional hypothesis?

  doesn't state the expected direction of the relationship between two variables e.g. leaving for lunch will effect GCSE results - used when no prior research indicating direction of the relationship or research is conflicting
• what does it mean to operationalise a variable?

  clearly defining variables to make them specific and clearly measurable