Aims and Hypothesis (OCR A-Level Psychology): Revision Notes

7.2.1 Aims and Hypothesis

🎯Aim - a general statement of what the researcher intends to investigate the purpose of the study.

Hypothesis - a clear precise testable statement that states the relationships between the variables to be measured. As stated at the outset of the study, it can be directional or non-directional.

• Directional hypothesis – states the direction of the difference or the relationship, researchers use directional hypotheses when findings of previous research suggest a particular outcome - "People who … will be more…than those who..."

• Non-directional hypothesis - states there is a difference between conditions but does not specify the direction. Researchers use non-directional hypotheses when there is no previous research or findings are contradictory - "People who…differ in term of … compared to…."

• Null Hypothesis – states there is no difference between conditions or co-variables.