Research methods

What is an aim of a study?

The aim of a study is the stated intentions of a study, highlighting its purpose.

“To investigate…”

What is a hypothesis?

A hypothesis is a testable predictive statement made before an investigation is conducted about what the researcher expects to happen.

What does operationalisation mean?

Operationalisation is the act of making something measurable.

Types of variables

1) Independent variable - the variable that changes in order to see its influence on the DV

2) Dependent variable - the variable that is measured as a result of the IV

3) Extraneous variable - any variable other than the IV that can affect the DV if not controlled (unwanted variable)

Types of hypotheses

1) Alternative hypothesis

• Directional (one-tailed) - predicts there will be a change and the direction in which results will go

• Non-directional (two-tailed) - predicts there will be a difference but not the direction in which the results will go

2) Null hypothesis

• Predicts that there will be no difference in the results

3) Correlational hypothesis

• Predicts a relationship between two co-variables

Hypothesis writing frame

1) Non-directional

• State difference

• State the operationalised DV

• State the first condition

• State the second condition

2) Directional

• State what the first condition is

• State what you think will happen

• State the operationalised DV

• State the second condition

Types of experiments

1) Lab experiment

2) Field experiment

3) Natural experiment

4) Quasi experiment

What is a lab experiment?

A lab experiment in a study carried out in a lab, allowing the researcher exert a high level of control over the IV.

Advantages

• Less chance of extraneous variables as researcher controls all other variables

• High level of control means that it is easier to replicate (shows reliable results)

Disadvantage

• Lack of ecological validity due to high control

• Higher chance of participants showing demand characteristics