Summary AQA A Level Research Methods Revision Notes - Aims, Hypotheses and variables

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