aims, hypothesis and variables

• What does the aim of a study represent?

  A general statement covering the topic
• Why is the aim important in research?

  It identifies the purpose of the research
• How is the aim expressed in research?

  As a straightforward expression of intent
• What is a hypothesis?

  A testable statement predicting research outcomes
• How do hypotheses differ from aims?

  Hypotheses are precise and unambiguous
• What are the two types of hypothesis?

  Null hypothesis and alternative hypothesis
• What does the alternative hypothesis include?

  Independent variable and dependent variable
• How should the independent variable be operationalized?

  By specifying how it will be manipulated
• How should the dependent variable be operationalized?

  By specifying how it will be measured
• What is a directional hypothesis?

  It predicts the direction of the difference
• What is a non-directional hypothesis?

  It predicts a difference without direction
• Provide an example of a non-directional hypothesis.

  There will be a difference in memory recall
• What does the null hypothesis state?

  The IV will not affect the DV
• How is the null hypothesis written?

  Assuming no difference between conditions
• What happens if the results show no difference?

  The null hypothesis must be accepted
• What happens if the results show a difference?

  The null hypothesis can be rejected
• How are hypotheses for correlational investigations different?

  They use 'relationship/correlation' instead of 'difference'
• What is the independent variable (IV)?

  The variable that is manipulated in an experiment
• Why is the IV important in an experiment?

  To observe its effect on the dependent variable
• What is the dependent variable (DV)?

  The variable that is measured to determine outcomes
• How is the DV related to the IV?

  The DV is affected by changes in the IV