Research informs theory, ideas, and attempts to understand ‘Why’, ‘When’ and ‘How’ behaviour occurs. The findings from research can help
us solve problems and enhance lives in the real world. Developing a research methods question allows us to focus, plan and execute research
effectively.
AIMS establish what the researcher is trying to find out; the key information the researcher wants to answer through conducting their
research. A good aim is focused, feasible, researchable and specific.
HYPOTHESIS
VARIABLES
A hypothesis is a predictive statement about what AO1 = The ability
the researcher expects to find. to define, explain Independent Variable (IV) – What is being
and outline these manipulated by the researcher; the difference
Experimental / Alternative – Can be
key terms between conditions.
subdivided into:
Dependant Variable (DV) – What is being
One tailed directional – This hypothesis states
measured by the researcher; the outcome or
that the IV will affect the DV and states exactly
score.
what the effect will be. It therefore makes a
prediction and states the direction of the Co-Variables – The two variables being
Deciding on
prediction. It is used when a researcher is measured within correlational research.
confident about what they expect to find. a research
Operationalisation – Defining the above key
OR methods variables in an objective, measurable way.
question
Two tailed non-directional – This hypothesis Extraneous Variables – Unwanted variables in
states the IV will affect the DV BUT does not research that may affect the outcomes (DV).
state how, just that a difference will be found. They are consistent, affect all participants
It is used when previous research is equally and are often linked to a design flaw.
inconclusive OR a newer area of investigation. AO2= The ability
Confounding Variables – Unwanted variables
to apply this
PLUS in research that may affect the outcomes (DV).
knowledge to
They are inconsistent and affect only some of
Null – This hypothesis predicts that there will research
the participants.
be no difference between the two conditions; scenarios
the IV will have no effect on the DV.
us solve problems and enhance lives in the real world. Developing a research methods question allows us to focus, plan and execute research
effectively.
AIMS establish what the researcher is trying to find out; the key information the researcher wants to answer through conducting their
research. A good aim is focused, feasible, researchable and specific.
HYPOTHESIS
VARIABLES
A hypothesis is a predictive statement about what AO1 = The ability
the researcher expects to find. to define, explain Independent Variable (IV) – What is being
and outline these manipulated by the researcher; the difference
Experimental / Alternative – Can be
key terms between conditions.
subdivided into:
Dependant Variable (DV) – What is being
One tailed directional – This hypothesis states
measured by the researcher; the outcome or
that the IV will affect the DV and states exactly
score.
what the effect will be. It therefore makes a
prediction and states the direction of the Co-Variables – The two variables being
Deciding on
prediction. It is used when a researcher is measured within correlational research.
confident about what they expect to find. a research
Operationalisation – Defining the above key
OR methods variables in an objective, measurable way.
question
Two tailed non-directional – This hypothesis Extraneous Variables – Unwanted variables in
states the IV will affect the DV BUT does not research that may affect the outcomes (DV).
state how, just that a difference will be found. They are consistent, affect all participants
It is used when previous research is equally and are often linked to a design flaw.
inconclusive OR a newer area of investigation. AO2= The ability
Confounding Variables – Unwanted variables
to apply this
PLUS in research that may affect the outcomes (DV).
knowledge to
They are inconsistent and affect only some of
Null – This hypothesis predicts that there will research
the participants.
be no difference between the two conditions; scenarios
the IV will have no effect on the DV.
