Lesson 1: Experimental method

• What can an aim be phrased as in research?

  A research question or a statement
• What does the independent variable represent in an experiment?

  It is what the researcher manipulates
• What does the dependent variable represent in an experiment?

  It is what the researcher measures
• What does the researcher examine regarding the independent and dependent variables?

  The effect of the IV on the DV
• What is operationalising in research?

  Defining the variable precisely
• What does operationalising involve regarding the independent variable?

  Stating how the IV is manipulated
• What does operationalising involve regarding the dependent variable?

  Stating how the DV will be measured
• What are the two types of hypotheses?

  Directional and non-directional
• What does a directional hypothesis state?

  The direction of the results from the IV on the DV
• What words are commonly included in directional hypotheses?

  More, less, fewer, larger, smaller
• When is a directional hypothesis used?

  When previous research suggests a particular outcome
• What does a non-directional hypothesis suggest?

  A change or difference of effect without direction
• When is a non-directional hypothesis typically used?

  When there is no previous research or secure findings