Hypothesis Formulation and Variables

Flashcards for lecture note review.

Hypothesis

A supposition or proposed explanation made based on limited evidence.

Hypothesis

A testable statement about the relationship between two or more variables.

Thesis Statement

A precise, evidence-based, rational, testable, falsifiable, and predictive statement.

Can a hypothesis be proven?

It can be supported or rejected but never accepted

Nondirectional (General) Hypothesis

This type of hypothesis predicts the independent variable will influence the dependent variable, but does not specify the relationship. This is a two tailed hypothesis

Directional Hypothesis

This type of hypothesis predicts that the independent variable will specifically affect the dependent variable. This is a one tailed hypothesis. Identifies the direction of the change in the variable

Null Hypothesis

Denoted by H0, states there is no statistically significant difference between groups or variables.

Alternative Hypothesis

Denoted by H1 or Ha, states there is a statistically significant difference between groups or variables. also known as experimental hypothesis

What makes a hypothesis measurable

operationalize the variables- specifically indicate how variables will be measured or recorded in a hypothesis.

Simple Hypothesis

Predicts the outcome between one independent and one dependent variable.

Complex Hypothesis

States the relationship between two or more independent and dependent variables.

Variables

Factors that can change

Independent Variables

Factors or conditions that are manipulated; presumed cause.

Dependent Variables

Factors observed or measured; presumed effect.

Controlled Variables

Constants that are applied to all experimental groupings.

Extraneous variables

Variables that have unwanted effects on your experiment

Confounding variables

Variables that relates to both independent and dependent variables

Intervening/mediating variables

A variable that explains the relationship between the independent and dependent variables

Moderating variables

Variable that influences the strength or direction of the relationships between independent and dependent variables

Accepted

A hypothesis should be supported or rejected, but never this.