The experimental method- conducting research

• Method of conducting research

  1) Deciding upon the aim of the research

  2) Starting your hypothesis and deciding which type of hypothesis to use

  3) Deciding on the levels of the independent (changed) and dependent (measured)

  4) Operationalising variables ( so that they are measurable)

  5) Selecting participants and designing procedure

  6) Conduct the investigation

  7) Record the results

  8) Drawing conclusions from the results

  9) Evaluating own practice
• Aims


  - Based on theories and prior research

  - Its a general statement that describes the purpose of an investigation

  For example: To investigate whether chocolate has a positive effect on ones mood.
• Hypothesis


  A clear and precise statement which predicts the relationship between the variables which are about to be investigated

  Hypotheses should always be written in the future tense starting with the phrase t'here will be'

  There are two types of hypothesis:

  - Null hypothesis

  - Alternative hypothesis
• Null Hypothesis


  It predicts that there will be no difference found between the variables
• Alternative Hypothesis


  It predicts there will be a difference found between the variables and can be directional or non-directional
• Directional Hypothesis


  Researchers states the direction of the relationship

  For example: Food increases someones attention
• Non-directional Hypothesis


  Researcher just states there's a difference

  For example: Food affects people'd attention spans.
• independent variable


  The experimental factor that is manipulated; the variable whose effect is being studied.
• Dependent variable


  The measurable effect, outcome, or response in which the research is interested.
• Levels of the independent variable


  To test the effect of the IV on the DV, the researcher needs different experimental conditions.

  For example: When comparing the mood of the students who ate chocolate with the mood of students who did not eat chocolate.

  There are two types:

  - Control groups

  - Experimental group
• Measuring variables


  Researchers must make sure that the variables being investigated are operationalised; clearly defined and measurable in a numerical way.
• Nuisance Variables

  Only the IV could affect the DV so psychologist aim to 'control for' or remove any nuisance variables which may affect their results
• Extraneous variables


  Any 'extra' variables that only affects all levels of the IV. This can be annoying but the comparison between participants can still be made.
• Confounding variables


  Any 'extra' variables which only affects one level of the IV (one of the groups). But this is more serious as you can no longer make a fair comparison between the participants and your results would become invalid.
• Reporting research

  Aim: what is being investigated/what are they retying to find out

  Method: what research methods are being used?

  Procedure: what instructions were given to the participants?

  Results: what did the researcher find?

  Conclusion: what have we learnt from the data?

  Evaluation: What are the strengths and weaknesses of the study's design?

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