Experimental methods

• Aims –

  • Statement of what you’re investigating.
  • Purpose of the study.
  • Developed psychological theory.
• Hypothesis-

  • Precise, testable statement.
  • Prediction of results.
  • States the relationship between the variables.
  • Null-hypothesis- predicting that there’s going to be no effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable.
  • Alternate-hypothesis- stating the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable (directional- states a clear difference, non-directional- states a difference will happen but not what the difference is).
• Levels of independent variables-

  • Differentiate the conditions for different levels of the independent variable.
  • Different experimental conditions, the IV is changed.
  • Controlled conscious the IV hasn’t been applied.
• Operationalised- clearly defining variables in terms of how they can be measured.