Aims, Hypotheses & Variables (College Board AP® Psychology): Flashcards
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- FrontAims & Hypotheses
Define aim.
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Cards in this collection (22)
Define aim.
An aim is a general statement describing what a researcher intends to investigate.
Define hypothesis.
A hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction about the outcome of a study.
How does an aim differ from a hypothesis?
An aim gives a broad statement of what is being investigated, while a hypothesis gives a precise, testable prediction about the outcome.
Define operational definition.
An operational definition states exactly how a variable is manipulated or measured so that a study can be replicated.
True or False?
A hypothesis must be falsifiable.
True.
A hypothesis must allow for the possibility that evidence could show it is wrong, which is what makes it scientifically testable.
Define directional hypothesis.
A directional hypothesis predicts both that the IV will affect the DV and the specific direction of that effect.
Define null hypothesis.
A null hypothesis states that the IV has no effect on the DV, or that no association exists between the variables.
When do researchers use a directional hypothesis?
Researchers use a directional hypothesis when prior research suggests a specific expected outcome.
In correlational research, the hypothesis predicts a ______________________, not a difference.
In correlational research, the hypothesis predicts a relationship, not a difference.
What happens to the null hypothesis if a study's results are statistically significant?
If the results are statistically significant, the null hypothesis is rejected.
True or False?
A non-directional hypothesis predicts the direction of an effect.
False.
A non-directional hypothesis predicts that a difference exists but does not state the direction of the effect.
Define variable.
A variable is any factor that can change or vary and that researchers measure or manipulate in a study.
Define independent variable (IV).
The independent variable is the factor that is deliberately manipulated by the researcher to see whether it causes an effect on another variable.
Define dependent variable (DV).
The dependent variable is the outcome that is measured, representing the effect of the IV.
True or False?
If the IV is naturally occurring and cannot be manipulated, the study is a quasi-experiment.
True.
Because the researcher does not actively manipulate the IV or randomly assign participants, cause-and-effect conclusions are weaker than in a true experiment.
Define confounding variable.
A confounding variable is a factor other than the IV that systematically differs between groups and influences the DV, creating an alternative explanation for the results.
What is an extraneous variable?
An extraneous variable is any variable other than the IV that could affect the DV; researchers try to prevent extraneous variables from becoming confounds.
How does random assignment help control confounding variables?
Random assignment spreads participant characteristics evenly between groups, preventing individual differences from systematically influencing the DV.
Define counterbalancing.
Counterbalancing is a control technique that varies the order of conditions to control for order effects.
Strong experimental control increases a study's ______________ validity.
Strong experimental control increases a study's internal validity.
True or False?
Counterbalancing is used in independent-groups designs to control order effects.
False.
Counterbalancing is used in repeated measures designs; it has no role in independent-groups designs, where each participant only completes one condition.
What is the purpose of standardized procedures in an experiment?
Standardized procedures keep instructions, environment, and timing consistent across participants, reducing the chance that extraneous factors become confounds.
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