the aim is a general statement of what the researcher intends to investigate, essentially the purpose of the study. Aims tend to be developed from theories.
A hypothesis is a testable statement predicting the outcome of the study which is made at the start of the study.
null hypothesis predicts that there will be no difference or relationship.
alternate/experimental hypothesis predicts a difference/relationship and can be directional or non-directional.
directional hypothesis (one-tailed hypothesis)
researcher makes it clear what sort of difference or relationship that may be seen between the 2 conditions. The hypothesis may use words like 'less','more','higher' or 'lower'.
used when there has been no previous research to suggest what direction the researcher will go in or the previous findings have been contradictory.
researcher simply states there will be a difference or there will be a relationship because two conditions. the direction of the outcome is not mentioned.
