experimental method

What is the aim of an experiment?

To test whether one variable (IV) causes a change in another variable (DV)

What is the difference between directional and non-directional hypotheses?

Directional predicts the direction of effect; non-directional just predicts a difference

What is the independent variable (IV)?

The variable manipulated by the researcher

What is the dependent variable (DV)?

The variable measured by the researcher

What is operationalisation?

Defining variables in measurable terms

What are levels of the IV?

The different conditions or groups created for the IV (e.g., Group A vs. Group B).

How do you decide which type of hypothesis to use?

Use a directional hypothesis if previous research suggests a direction; otherwise use non-directional.