Experimental methods

• What is an aim in research?

  A general statement of the study's purpose
• What is an example of an aim?

  To investigate the effects of sugar on memory
• What is a Null hypothesis?

  A statement of no difference or relationship
• Provide an example of a Null hypothesis.

  No difference between drunken and sober
• What is a Non-Directional hypothesis?

  It states a difference without direction
• When is a Non-Directional hypothesis used?

  When the direction of the difference is unknown
• Provide an example of a Non-Directional hypothesis.

  There will be a difference in word recall
• What is a Directional hypothesis?

  It states the direction of the difference
• When is a Directional hypothesis used?

  When previous research suggests a specific outcome
• Provide an example of a Directional hypothesis.

  Participants who eat sugar will recall less
• What does it mean to operationalise?

  To clearly define variables for measurement
• What is a hypothesis?

  A testable statement about variable relationships
• Provide an example of a hypothesis.

  Energy drink consumption affects alertness levels
• What is an independent variable?

  The variable manipulated by the researcher
• What is a dependent variable?

  The variable measured by the researcher
• How does the dependent variable relate to the independent variable?

  It is affected by changes in the independent variable