hypothesis

• aim- what the researcher intends to investigate
• hypothesis- a precise statement that can be tested including levels of the independent variable and dependent variable (or both covariables for a correlational study)
• hypothesis example- 'there is a difference in the number of words recalled in blue light compared to participants recalling them in green light'
• operationalisation- operationalised variables are carefully stated, demonstrating exactly how they are to be measured for example the dependent variable would be the 'number of words recalled' not 'recall'. Other examples- 'reaction time in milliseconds' 'average change in heart rate beats per minute' 'average change in score on a hostility questionnaire', 'average shock level given to a confederate'. The indepednent variable needs to state both levels
• hypothesis- not predictions, they are completing statements of fact that the researcher accepts or rejects based on the data collected, this is in line with the scientific principle as the researcher as a neutral observer
• in exam do not say the word 'prove', but instead say 'the evidence supports the theory...'