Aims and hypothesis

Aim

A statement that sets out the purpose of an investigation

Experimental hypothesis

Predicts what changes will take place in the DV when the IV is manipulated

Alternative hypothesis

Suggests that sample observations are influenced by a non-random cause

Null hypothesis

Allows the researcher to falsify their theory

Directional hypothesis

Predicts the direction of any differences in the way people behave

Non-directional hypothesis

State that “there will be a difference” but not that one condition that will do “better” or “worse” than the other

Dependent variable (DV)

What researchers measure in an experiment

Independent variable (IV)

what the researcher manipulates/changes

Operationalisation

Make the variables measurable so it can be tested