Podcast
Questions and Answers
What does a hypothesis represent in research?
What does a hypothesis represent in research?
What is the primary function of an independent variable in an experiment?
What is the primary function of an independent variable in an experiment?
What term is used to describe the process of making variables measurable in research?
What term is used to describe the process of making variables measurable in research?
What distinguishes an alternative hypothesis from a null hypothesis?
What distinguishes an alternative hypothesis from a null hypothesis?
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Which of the following best defines the term 'aim' in a research context?
Which of the following best defines the term 'aim' in a research context?
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In the context of experimental research, which of the following is a characteristic of a dependent variable?
In the context of experimental research, which of the following is a characteristic of a dependent variable?
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How would a directional hypothesis differ from a non-directional hypothesis?
How would a directional hypothesis differ from a non-directional hypothesis?
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Which statement about dependent and independent variables is true?
Which statement about dependent and independent variables is true?
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What is the definition of an aim in research?
What is the definition of an aim in research?
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Which statement correctly describes a hypothesis?
Which statement correctly describes a hypothesis?
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What constitutes the independent variable (IV) in an experiment?
What constitutes the independent variable (IV) in an experiment?
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Which of the following best describes the dependent variable (DV)?
Which of the following best describes the dependent variable (DV)?
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How can researchers obtain a hypothesis from a research aim?
How can researchers obtain a hypothesis from a research aim?
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What does operationalization in research refer to?
What does operationalization in research refer to?
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Which pair of terms is correctly associated with their definitions?
Which pair of terms is correctly associated with their definitions?
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What is a directional hypothesis?
What is a directional hypothesis?
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What defines an independent variable (IV) in a research study?
What defines an independent variable (IV) in a research study?
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Which of the following is an example of a directional hypothesis?
Which of the following is an example of a directional hypothesis?
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What is the purpose of operationalising a variable?
What is the purpose of operationalising a variable?
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In which scenario would you accept the null hypothesis?
In which scenario would you accept the null hypothesis?
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Which of the following best describes a non-directional hypothesis?
Which of the following best describes a non-directional hypothesis?
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What is usually measured to assess the dependent variable (DV) in a study?
What is usually measured to assess the dependent variable (DV) in a study?
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Which statement best reflects the relationship between sleep and academic performance according to a well-constructed hypothesis?
Which statement best reflects the relationship between sleep and academic performance according to a well-constructed hypothesis?
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What does an aim in research represent?
What does an aim in research represent?
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Study Notes
Research Methods - Aims & Hypotheses
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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.
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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
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Variable: A measurable aspect that can change within a study.
- Variables affect one another
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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Alternative Hypothesis: Predicts a relationship/difference between variables.
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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.
