the experimental method

aim meaning

• a general statement of what the researcher intends to investigate, the purpose of the study

hypothesis meaing

• a statement of what the researcher believes to be true

• relationship of difference between the variables to be tested

what are the two types of hypothesis

• directional= states the direction of the difference or relationship between the variables. -unseen previous research exists and indicates which direction

• non- directional= simply sates that there is a difference or there is a relationship between variable -no prev research or contradicting research

what is a dependent variable

the variable which is measured by the researcher

independent variable

• some aspect of experimental situation that is manipulated by the experimenter or changes naturally so effect on the dependent variable can be measured

• should be levels of IV

operationalisation

• variables must be precise and testable

• clearly defining variables in terms of how they will be measured DV or change IV

• (behav categories is an example)

what is an experiment

• there is an IV which deliberately is changed to see if it has any effect on the DV

• this allows us to draw casual conclusion so we can make a statement about whether the IV causes the change in DV

example of non directional hyp

• alcohol affects reaction time

example of directional hyp

• boys are more aggressive than girls

example of IV and DV in a hyp

• men drive faster than women

• DV= av speed of driving

• IV= gender