AS LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY AQA PAPER 1 TEST
PAPER 2026 STUDY GUIDE REVIEW
◉ Alternate hypothesis. Answer: Suggests a testable link between
variables
◉ One tailed (directional) hypothesis. Answer: Predicts the
difference between the groups in your experiment and predicts
which group will do better
◉ Two tailed (non directional) hypothesis. Answer: This predicts a
difference but does not say which group will do better
◉ Independent Variable. Answer: variable that is manipulated
◉ dependent variable. Answer: What is measured (the result of the
change)
◉ Operationalised hypothesis. Answer: Defining precisely how you
intend to measure the DV and alter the conditions of the IV
, ◉ Extreneous Variables. Answer: All other aspects of the
experimental setting that may have an influence on the dependent
variable.
◉ environmental / situational factors. Answer: this is anything
about the environment (external to participants) which might affect
their performance
◉ Lack of standardisation within a procedure. Answer: A way an
extraneous variable can occur, if different groups experience
different instructions, are given different stimuli, or if any part of
their experience is different to that of other participants in other
groups this can lead to invalid results.
◉ Participant variables. Answer: these are anything specific to the
individual which may affect the results
◉ Demand characteristics. Answer: this is when participant form an
idea about the purpose of the study, if they think they know what
kind of response the researcher is expecting from them, they might
show a response to please the researcher (or do complete opposite
and ruin results)
◉ Researcher bias. Answer: The researcher's expectations can
influence how they design their study and behave towards
PAPER 2026 STUDY GUIDE REVIEW
◉ Alternate hypothesis. Answer: Suggests a testable link between
variables
◉ One tailed (directional) hypothesis. Answer: Predicts the
difference between the groups in your experiment and predicts
which group will do better
◉ Two tailed (non directional) hypothesis. Answer: This predicts a
difference but does not say which group will do better
◉ Independent Variable. Answer: variable that is manipulated
◉ dependent variable. Answer: What is measured (the result of the
change)
◉ Operationalised hypothesis. Answer: Defining precisely how you
intend to measure the DV and alter the conditions of the IV
, ◉ Extreneous Variables. Answer: All other aspects of the
experimental setting that may have an influence on the dependent
variable.
◉ environmental / situational factors. Answer: this is anything
about the environment (external to participants) which might affect
their performance
◉ Lack of standardisation within a procedure. Answer: A way an
extraneous variable can occur, if different groups experience
different instructions, are given different stimuli, or if any part of
their experience is different to that of other participants in other
groups this can lead to invalid results.
◉ Participant variables. Answer: these are anything specific to the
individual which may affect the results
◉ Demand characteristics. Answer: this is when participant form an
idea about the purpose of the study, if they think they know what
kind of response the researcher is expecting from them, they might
show a response to please the researcher (or do complete opposite
and ruin results)
◉ Researcher bias. Answer: The researcher's expectations can
influence how they design their study and behave towards
