Research methods

Research methods

1. The two main features of science are that it has to be objective and verifiable

   • These help prevent superstition and allows control and theory formation

2. Scientific method: observe - explain - state expectations - design a study - see if expectations were correct

3. Dependent variable is what you are measuring

   • Independent variable is what you are changing or manipulating
     • Operationalise is adding specific details to make the hypothesis testable
       • Standardised procedures are making everything the same for everyone one in order to be able to repeat the study
         • Extraneous variables is a variable which isn't the IV but could affect the DV if not xontrolled

4. A hypothesis makes a prediction about a relationship between two things or between a cause and effect

   • It must avoid using vague terms e.g. hunger and instead put 'no food consumed in the past 3 hours' (operationalising)

5. Experimental has 2 types

   • Directional is where it predicts a difference and says what is shall be
   • Non directional is where a difference is predicted but it doesn't say what it will be