RM- hypothesis + variables

variable

Any ‘thing’ that can vary or change within an investigation

IV

The variable that is manipulated by the researcher

DV

The variable that is measured by the researcher

Operationalisation

Clearly defining variables in terms of how they can be measured

Hypothesis

A clear precise testable statement

Written at beginning of an investigation

Predicts what outcome will be

Alternate hypothesis

Hypothesis that states a difference/relationship between the variables

Null hypothesis

Hypothesis that states NO difference/ relationship between variables

Extraneous variables

Variable other than IV that may affect DV, if not controlled

If they aren’t controlled the researcher cannot know what really caused the change in the DV

Situational variable

Aspect of the environment that may affect the performance of the participants

Participant variables

Things about the participants themselves that influence their performance

Investigator effects

Things the researcher does that affect the IV