6.7 aims and hypothesis

Aim = a general statement about what the person intends to research

Hypothesis = a precise statement including the IV and DV (or co-variables for a correlational study), which can be tested.

  • Must be operationalised

  • Not predictions

Null hypothesis = there is no change/ difference in the DV as a result of the manipulation of the IV

Alternate hypothesis = states that there is a change/ difference in the DV as a result of the manipulation of the IV

Hypothesis testing = statistical test is conducted. If evidence is strong enough then the null is rejected and the alternate is accepted

Alternate

  • non directional = there is a difference in the DV as a result of the manipulation of the IV, but it doesnt say which direction the results will go

  • Directional = there is a difference in the DV as a result of the manipulation of the IV, and it says which direction the results will go

  • Only use a directional hypothesis if there is previous research that suggests which way the results will go

‘Proving’

  • not possible. Say ‘evidence supports’

  • Instead theories are falsifiable → new research may emerge that contradicts others