Learning Objectives for Chapter Two – Generating and Refining Research Hypotheses

 

 

 

Pages 39-40

 

 

1.   Define¹ hypothesis.

2.   List¹ six strategies for generating research ideas that involve questioning either folk wisdom or informal observation. Rank⁶ the six in terms of how valuable they would be for helping you develop a research hypothesis. Using one of those six strategies, generate⁵ a research hypothesis.

 

Pages 41-44

 

3.   Describe² three advantages of deriving research ideas from previous research.

4.   Define¹ double-blind technique and explain² how replicating a study using the double-blind technique can result in a study that has greater validity than the original study.

5.   Explain² how looking for moderator variables can help reconcile studies that appear to produce conflicting results.

6.   List¹ seven ways to generate research ideas from previous research. Rank⁶ the ways in terms of how useful you think they are.  Use³ one of them to generate a research idea.

 

Pages 44-47

7.   Define¹null hypothesis. Explain² why the null hypothesis cannot be proven.

8.   Illustrate³ the steps involved in converting an idea into a research hypothesis.  Examine⁴ the role that each of the following terms play in your illustration:

● testable

_ supportable (be sure to refer to the null hypothesis)

● rationale

● relevance (be sure to refer to theory)

 

Pages 47-52

 

9.   List¹ 10 strategies you can use to refine a hypothesis. Rank⁶ them in order of usefulness. Use³ one to refine one of your hypotheses.

10.                 Define¹ straw theory. Explain² the difference between a straw theory and a real theory. Describe² what steps you can take to avoid basing your prediction on a straw theory. Explain² the advantages of basing a research idea on theory. Generate³ a hypothesis based on dissonance theory.

11.                 Define¹ mediating variable. Explain² how a hypothesis about how a mediating variable accounts for a treatment’s effect can be a more interesting hypothesis than one that merely hypothesizes that the treatment will have an effect.

12.                 Define¹ moderating variable. Distinguish⁴ moderating variable from mediating variable. Explain² how a hypothesis about how a variable moderates a treatment’s effect can be a more interesting hypothesis than one that merely hypothesizes that the treatment will have an effect.

13.                 Define¹ functional relationship. Explain² how a hypothesis about the functional relationship between treatment amount and treatment effect can be a more interesting hypothesis than one that merely hypothesizes that the treatment will have an effect.

 

 

 

Pages 52-56

 

14.                 List¹ five steps you can take to make testing your hypothesis more ethical. Rank⁶ the steps in terms of their value to you.

15.                 List¹ one advantage and list one disadvantage of deciding not to manipulate variables.