(1) Psychology A Level - Different types of variables and hypothesis' (copy)

What is an aim?

The general statement made by the psychologist based on what they want to investigate

What is an IV (independent variable)?

This is what the researcher manipulates

What is a DV (dependent variable)?

What the reseacher measures

What is a hypothesis?

A clear, testable statement that makes a prediction about what will happen in a piece of research.

What is a directional hypothesis?

A statement that predicts the IV will have an important effect on the DV in a specific direction.

What is a non-directional hypothesis?

A statement that predicts the IV will have an effect on the DV, but does not mention the direction

What is a null hypothesis?

A statement that predicts the IV will have no effect on the DV.

What does operationalise mean?

To be precise about what is being measured or manipulated in order to make the investigation repeatable.

What are extraneous variables?

They are the unwanted variables

Different types of EV’s : What are situational variables?

Factors in the environment that could affect the participants performance E.g lighting, weather

Different types of EV’s : What are participants variables?

Characteristic of the individual that may affect their performance E.g gender, mental health

Different types of EV’s : What is a confounding variable?

Directly affects the DV (was not anticipated)/ Affects the relationship between the IV and DV