Research methods (2)

• What is the purpose of understanding different experimental methods?

  To evaluate research outcomes effectively
• What does the acronym IV stand for in experimental methods?

  Independent variable
• What does the acronym DV stand for in experimental methods?

  Dependent variable
• What is a hypothesis in research?

  A statement predicting research outcomes
• What is the difference between a directional and non-directional hypothesis?

  Directional predicts the specific outcome; non-directional does not
• How would you operationalize an independent variable in a study?

  By defining it in measurable terms
• In the example of energy drinks, what is the independent variable?

  The amount of energy drink consumed
• In the example of sugar on memory, what is the dependent variable?

  The memory performance measured
• What is the role of the control group in an experiment?

  To compare against the experimental group
• How does the change in the independent variable affect the dependent variable?

  It determines the outcome measured
• What must the dependent variable be in an experiment?

  Measurable
• How can you measure the dependent variable in a study on memory?

  By using memory tests or assessments
• Why is it important to have different experimental conditions for the independent variable?

  To test its effect accurately
• What is the first step in defining a hypothesis?

  Identify the research question
• What does it mean to operationalize a variable?

  To define it in measurable terms
• How can the results of an experiment be concluded?

  By comparing the experimental and control groups