The experimental method

• Independent variable: The variable that is manipulated by the researcher to observe its effects on the dependent variable
• Hypothesis: The prediction of the outcome of the experiment
• Standardisation: Keeping the experimental methods as identical as possible.
• Extraneous variable: Variables other than the independent variable that have an effect on the dependent variable
• Directional hypothesis: A hypothesis that specifies the direction of the relationship of the experimen
• Non directional Hypothesis- A two-tailed non-directional hypothesis predicts that the independent variable will have an effect on the dependent variable, but the direction of the effect is not specified. Used when there is no previous research (theories/studies) suggesting that findings will go in a particular direction. E.g., there will be a difference in how many numbers are correctly recalled by children and adults.