aims and hypotheses

• distinguish the difference between an aim and a hypothesis

  aim: A statement about the purpose of the study i.e. what it is aiming to investigate/address.

  Hypothesis: A precise and testable prediction about the expected outcome

  of a study.
• Directional hypothesis

  A directional hypothesis predicts a difference (in an experiment) or a relationship (in a correlation) and states the expected direction. It is used when previous research suggests what the results will be. Example: "There will be a positive correlation between stress levels and sick days taken."
• Non-directional hypothesis

  A non-directional hypothesis predicts a difference (in an experiment) or a relationship (in a correlation) but does not specify the direction. It is used when there is no prior research to suggest the outcome. Example: "There will be a correlation between stress levels and sick days taken."