Aims and Hypotheses:
Aim –
A general statement of what the researcher intends to investigate; the purpose
of the study
o Aims are developed from theories
Hypotheses –
A clear, precise, testable statement that states the relationship between the
variables to be investigated. Stated at the outset of any study
o Directional hypothesis: states the anticipated direction of the difference or
relationship – used when the findings of previous research suggest a
particular outcome
o Non-directional hypothesis: does not state the anticipated direction of the
difference or relationship – used when there is no previous research, or
findings from earlier studies are contradictory
Variables:
Independent variable –
An aspect of the experimental situation that is manipulated by the researcher,
or changes naturally, so the effect on the DV can be measured
Dependent variable –
The variable that is measured by the researcher. Any effect on the DV should
be caused by the change in the IV
o All other variables that might potentially affect the DV should remain
constant, so the researcher can be sure that the cause of the effect on the
DV was the IV
Aim –
A general statement of what the researcher intends to investigate; the purpose
of the study
o Aims are developed from theories
Hypotheses –
A clear, precise, testable statement that states the relationship between the
variables to be investigated. Stated at the outset of any study
o Directional hypothesis: states the anticipated direction of the difference or
relationship – used when the findings of previous research suggest a
particular outcome
o Non-directional hypothesis: does not state the anticipated direction of the
difference or relationship – used when there is no previous research, or
findings from earlier studies are contradictory
Variables:
Independent variable –
An aspect of the experimental situation that is manipulated by the researcher,
or changes naturally, so the effect on the DV can be measured
Dependent variable –
The variable that is measured by the researcher. Any effect on the DV should
be caused by the change in the IV
o All other variables that might potentially affect the DV should remain
constant, so the researcher can be sure that the cause of the effect on the
DV was the IV
