Aims and hypotheses

Aim

An aim in psychology tells you the purpose of the psychological research and does not predict the results.

The importance of Aims

The aim helps focus the research, indicating what the researcher plans to test.

Hypothesis

A hypothesis is a testable prediction of the relationship between two variables. Hypotheses should provide more detail than the aim and be falsifiable.

Types of Hypotheses

1. Alternate Hypothesis 

2. Null Hypothesis 

Alternate Hypothesis

The testable statement which predicts a difference or relationship between variables in a study. (There will be a difference)

Types of Alternate Hypothesis

1. Directional (one-tailed) — predicts the way or direction results are likely to go

2. Null (two-tailed) — predicts a difference but does not state what that difference will be

Null Hypothesis

There is no relationship between two variables and that controlling one variable has no effect on the other.