Understanding Hypothesis Variables in Psychology

What does the null hypothesis (H0) typically state in an experimental design?

• There is a significant difference between the groups being studied.

• There is no significant difference between the groups being studied.

• The dependent variable will increase as the independent variable increases.

• The outcome of the experiment is predictable.

Which variable is manipulated by the researcher in an experiment?

• Dependent variable

• Independent variable

• Control variable

• Confounding variable

What is the role of the dependent variable in an experiment?

• It is what the researcher is trying to measure.

• It is manipulated to see its effect on another variable.

• It is kept constant throughout the experiment.

• It is used to eliminate alternative explanations.

What does the alternative hypothesis (H1) propose?

• There is no relationship between the variables being studied.

• There is a relationship between the variables that is due to chance.

• There is a significant relationship between the variables being studied.

• The results of the experiment are inconclusive.

What is the purpose of a control variable in an experiment?

• To add more variability to the experiment.

• To be manipulated as part of the experimental design.

• To ensure that any changes in the dependent variable are due to the manipulation of the independent variable.

• To serve as a comparison for the experimental group.

In experimental design, what is a confounding variable?

• A variable that is kept constant throughout the experiment.

• A variable that the researcher intentionally changes to observe its effect.

• An unforeseen variable that can affect the results of the experiment.

• The variable being measured in the experiment.

Which of the following best describes a between-subjects experimental design?

• Each participant experiences all levels of the independent variable.

• Participants are divided into groups, and each group experiences a different level of the independent variable.

• The independent variable is not directly manipulated but observed for its effects.

• The same participants are tested over time as they age.

How does random assignment benefit an experimental design?

• It ensures that the experiment will yield significant results.

• It reduces the likelihood that the results will be due to chance.

• It increases the variability within each group for more robust findings.

• It ensures that each participant has an equal chance of being assigned to any group, reducing selection bias.

What is the primary purpose of using a double-blind procedure in an experiment?

• To ensure that the results are statistically significant.

• To prevent both the participants and the researchers from knowing who is in the control or experimental group, reducing bias.

• To allow the researchers to manipulate the variables more freely.

• To ensure that all participants receive the same treatment.

Why is replication important in experimental research?

• It allows researchers to test the independent variable on different populations.

• It ensures that the results of a study are due to the experimental manipulation and not other factors.

• It provides an opportunity to test alternative hypotheses.

• It confirms the findings of a study by producing similar results when the study is repeated under the same conditions.