Research Methods: Aims & Hypotheses

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Questions and Answers

What does a hypothesis represent in research?

A precise/testable statement about the research (correct)

A summary of previous findings

An unrelated question about the topic

A general overview of the entire study

What is the primary function of an independent variable in an experiment?

To be manipulated or changed by the researcher (correct)

To remain constant throughout the study

To measure the effects of the experiment

To predict outcomes of the research

What term is used to describe the process of making variables measurable in research?

Hypothesizing

Operationalisation (correct)

Control variable

Randomisation

What distinguishes an alternative hypothesis from a null hypothesis?

The alternative hypothesis predicts a difference will exist Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines the term 'aim' in a research context?

A general statement about the research objectives Signup and view all the answers

In the context of experimental research, which of the following is a characteristic of a dependent variable?

It is measured to observe the effect of the independent variable Signup and view all the answers

How would a directional hypothesis differ from a non-directional hypothesis?

Directional hypothesis predicts a specific outcome, while non-directional does not Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about dependent and independent variables is true?

Dependent variables are observed for changes in response to independent variables Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of an aim in research?

A general statement that explains the purpose of a study. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes a hypothesis?

It is a testable statement predicting expected findings in a study. Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes the independent variable (IV) in an experiment?

The variable that is manipulated or changed by the researcher. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the dependent variable (DV)?

The outcome variable that is measured for changes. Signup and view all the answers

How can researchers obtain a hypothesis from a research aim?

By predicting the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. Signup and view all the answers

What does operationalization in research refer to?

Defining how variables will be measured in specific terms. Signup and view all the answers

Which pair of terms is correctly associated with their definitions?

Hypothesis - a testable statement predicting outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

What is a directional hypothesis?

It predicts the specific nature of the expected relationship. Signup and view all the answers

What defines an independent variable (IV) in a research study?

The factor that is manipulated or changed by the researcher Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a directional hypothesis?

Students who sleep more will have higher grades than those who sleep less. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of operationalising a variable?

To ensure the variable can be measured accurately Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario would you accept the null hypothesis?

When the study indicates no significant difference between two groups Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a non-directional hypothesis?

It suggests a difference exists but does not specify the direction. Signup and view all the answers

What is usually measured to assess the dependent variable (DV) in a study?

The outcome influenced by the changes made to the IV Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects the relationship between sleep and academic performance according to a well-constructed hypothesis?

Sleep affects performance, with more sleep leading to higher grades. Signup and view all the answers

What does an aim in research represent?

A general statement about the research focus Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Research Methods - Aims & Hypotheses

Aim: A general statement of the purpose of a study.
- Example: To see the effects of stress on memory. To see if listening to music affects memory.
Hypothesis: A precise, testable statement predicting the study's outcome.
- Example: The more stressed a person, the worse their memory; or there will be a difference in memory between people with or without stress.
Aims and Hypotheses are linked. An aim, first, proposes a general purpose of investigation. Then, the hypothesis refines it into a testable prediction.

Research Methods - Variables

Variable: A measurable aspect that can change within a study.
- Variables affect one another
Independent Variable (IV): The manipulated variable (e.g., amount of stress).
- Researchers control the variation of the independent variable.
- Often has two or more levels/conditions that can be compared to see how the dependent variable changes.
Dependent Variable (DV): The measured variable (e.g., memory capability).
- The researcher measures the dependent variable to see the effect of the independent variable.
- Example: The effects of stress on memory. The independent variable is stress (different levels of stress.) The dependent variable is memory recall.
Operationalisation: Clearly defining variables so they can be measured.
- Example: Drinking alcohol will affect driving ability is operationalised by specific units of alcohol consumed and its effects on driving ability scores (e.g., using a driving simulator).

Research Methods - Hypothesis Types

Directional Hypothesis (One-tailed): Predicts the direction of the relationship.
- Example: People who get more sleep perform better in class than those who get less.
Non-directional Hypothesis (Two-tailed): Predicts a difference but not a specific direction.
- Example: There will be a difference in test scores between students who revise for more and less than 6 hours.
Alternative Hypothesis: Predicts a relationship/difference between variables.
Null Hypothesis: States no relationship/difference between variables. If the research study shows no significant relationship or difference, the null hypothesis is accepted.

Writing Hypotheses

Hypotheses must clearly state the operationalised dependent and independent variables, along with the expected relationship between them.
- Example: Students who studied more than six hours will have higher psychology test scores than those who studied less than six hours. (Operationalised variables to account for differences in test scores and study time).

Knowledge Check - Research Methods

Aim: A general statement about the research.
Hypothesis: A testable statement about the research (prediction).
Independent Variable (IV): The variable manipulated by the researcher.
Dependent Variable (DV): The variable measured by the researcher.
Operationalization: Making a variable measurable.
Alternative Hypothesis: Predicts a difference or relationship.
Null Hypothesis: Predicts no difference or relationship.

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Description

This quiz explores the crucial concepts of aims and hypotheses in research methods. Learn how to define these elements and their relationships, as well as identifying variables in a study. By understanding these foundational concepts, you'll improve your ability to design and analyze research effectively.