aims and hypotheses

• What is a non-participant observational technique?

  A method where the researcher observes without involvement
• What is the difference between an aim and a hypothesis?

  An aim is a general statement; a hypothesis is precise
• What is an example of an aim in research?

  To investigate if caffeine affects crossword solving
• What is a hypothesis?

  A precise, testable statement about expected outcomes
• What must be done to variables in a hypothesis?

  Variables need to be operationalised in detail
• What is an example of an operationalised hypothesis?

  Time taken to solve a crossword varies with coffee
• What is a directional hypothesis?

  A hypothesis predicting the direction of a relationship
• What words indicate a directional hypothesis?

  More, less, higher, lower, faster, slower
• Give an example of a directional hypothesis.

  People drinking Lucozade are more talkative
• What is a non-directional hypothesis?

  A hypothesis predicting a difference without direction
• Give an example of a non-directional hypothesis.

  People differ in talkativeness with Lucozade
• When should a directional hypothesis be used?

  When previous research suggests a specific direction
• When should a non-directional hypothesis be used?

  When previous research is inconclusive or mixed
• What is operationalisation in research?

  • Making variables clear and measurable
  • Adding 'as measured by' for clarity
• How can you operationalise a hypothesis?

  Define variables in specific, measurable terms