Component 2: Deciding on a research question (knowledge and understanding of) — Eduqas A-Level Psychology
Test yourself on Component 2: Deciding on a research question (knowledge and understanding of) with EDUQAS A-Level practice questions.
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Your focus
- aim of the research
- research hypotheses
- alternative (or experimental) hypotheses
Show all 11 objectives
- directional and non-directional hypotheses
- null hypotheses
- independent variables
- dependant variables
- co-variables
- operationalisation of variables
- confounding variables
- extraneous variables
Component 2: Deciding on a research question (knowledge and understanding of) exam tips
Quick Revision Summary (Key Takeaway)
Deciding on a research question involves formulating a clear, testable, and ethically sound hypothesis or aim that operationalises variables for psychological investigation. It is the essential first step in the research process, directly shaping the design, data collection, and analysis of any study.
Topic Overview
Deciding on a research question is a fundamental component of psychological research, forming the basis for any investigation. It involves formulating a clear aim and a testable, operationalised hypothesis that specifies the relationship between variables. This topic is crucial because a well-defined research question guides the entire research process, from design to analysis, and ensures ethical integrity.
In the Eduqas A-Level Psychology specification, this topic falls under Component 2: Applications of Psychology, specifically within the research methods section. It connects to other areas such as experimental design, sampling, and data analysis. Mastering this skill is essential for conducting valid and reliable research, and it is frequently assessed in exam questions requiring students to formulate hypotheses or evaluate research questions.
Key Concepts
- →Aim: A general statement of what the researcher intends to investigate; the purpose of the study.
- →Hypothesis: A clear, testable prediction about the expected outcome of the study, stating the relationship between the independent variable (IV) and dependent variable (DV).
- →Operationalisation: Defining variables in terms of how they will be measured or manipulated, making them measurable and testable.
- →Directional (one-tailed) hypothesis: Predicts the specific direction of the effect (e.g., 'more than', 'less than').
- →Non-directional (two-tailed) hypothesis: Predicts that there will be an effect, but not the specific direction (e.g., 'there will be a difference').
Examiner Tips
- 💡Always operationalise both the IV and DV in your hypothesis to gain full marks; vague terms like 'stress' or 'memory' are insufficient.
- 💡Use the correct terminology: 'aim', 'hypothesis', 'directional', 'non-directional', 'operationalise'.
- 💡When asked to write a hypothesis, ensure it is testable and includes a comparison (e.g., 'more than', 'different from') and the word 'significant' to imply statistical testing.
Common Mistakes
- Students often think a hypothesis must be proven correct; in reality, it is a testable prediction that may be supported or refuted by data.
- Students may believe that an aim and a hypothesis are interchangeable; an aim is a general statement, while a hypothesis is a specific, operationalised prediction.
- Students sometimes ignore ethical considerations when writing hypotheses, but ethical issues must be considered from the outset to ensure the research is permissible.
Revision Plan
- 1Day 1-2: Learn definitions of aim, hypothesis, directional and non-directional hypotheses, and operationalisation. Create flashcards with examples.
- 2Day 3-4: Practice writing aims and hypotheses for given scenarios, ensuring operationalisation. Use past exam questions.
- 3Day 5-6: Study ethical considerations and how they apply to research questions. Practice identifying ethical issues in sample studies.
- 4Day 7-8: Review examiner reports and mark schemes to understand common pitfalls. Complete a timed exam question on formulating a research question.
- 5Day 9-10: Consolidate by teaching the topic to a peer or writing a summary sheet, then test yourself with active recall prompts.
Exam Question Types
- 📋Short answer: 'Write a suitable aim and hypothesis for a study investigating...' (4-6 marks). Advice: Ensure both aim and hypothesis are clear, operationalised, and include IV and DV.
- 📋Application: 'Explain one ethical issue that must be considered when deciding on this research question and how it could be addressed.' (4 marks). Advice: Link the ethical issue specifically to the research question and suggest a practical solution.
- 📋Evaluation: 'Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the hypothesis you have written.' (6 marks). Advice: Consider testability, operationalisation, ethical implications, and whether it is directional or non-directional.
Command Word Expectations (EDUQAS)
Write
In Eduqas A-Level Psychology, 'write' requires you to formulate a clear, operationalised aim or hypothesis. Marks are awarded for correct structure, inclusion of IV and DV, and operationalisation.
Explain
For 'explain', you must provide a detailed account of why something is the case, with reference to psychological concepts. For example, explaining why a hypothesis must be operationalised requires linking to measurability and testability.
Evaluate
For 'evaluate', you must weigh up strengths and weaknesses, providing a balanced argument. In the context of research questions, consider testability, ethical issues, and practical constraints, and reach a justified conclusion.
How Students Lose Marks (Examiner Pitfalls)
Pitfall: Students often confuse an aim with a hypothesis, or write a hypothesis that is not operationalised, leading to vague predictions that cannot be tested.
❌ Weak Answer (Loses Marks):Aim: To see if sleep affects memory. Hypothesis: Sleep will affect memory.
Example improved answer:Aim: To investigate the effect of sleep duration on memory recall. Hypothesis: Participants who sleep for 8 hours will recall significantly more words from a 20-word list than participants who sleep for 4 hours.
Examiner Tip: Always ensure the hypothesis includes both the independent variable (IV) and dependent variable (DV) with clear operationalisation (e.g., '8 hours' not just 'more sleep'). Use 'significantly' to indicate statistical testing.
Pitfall: Students frequently ignore ethical considerations when formulating research questions, leading to mark loss in the design and ethics sections.
❌ Weak Answer (Loses Marks):I will ask participants to complete a task after watching a violent video to see if it makes them aggressive.
Example improved answer:The research question must consider ethical guidelines: obtaining informed consent, avoiding deception, ensuring no psychological harm, and providing the right to withdraw. For example, if investigating media violence and aggression, use non-violent and violent clips with mild aggression measures, debrief participants, and ensure no long-term harm.
Examiner Tip: When writing about research questions, always mention at least two ethical considerations and how they will be addressed, such as informed consent and protection from harm.
Step-by-Step Worked Solutions
Question: A psychologist wants to investigate whether caffeine improves reaction time. Write a suitable aim and operationalised hypothesis for this study.
- 1.Step 1: Identify the IV (caffeine consumption) and DV (reaction time).
- 2.Step 2: Operationalise the IV (e.g., 200mg caffeine vs placebo) and DV (e.g., reaction time in milliseconds on a computer task).
- 3.Step 3: Write the aim as a general statement and the hypothesis as a testable prediction including both variables.
Final Answer: Aim: To investigate the effect of caffeine on reaction time. Hypothesis: Participants who consume 200mg of caffeine will have significantly faster reaction times (measured in milliseconds) on a computer-based task than participants who consume a placebo.
Question: Explain one ethical issue that must be considered when deciding on a research question about the effects of sleep deprivation on mood, and how it could be addressed.
- 1.Step 1: Identify a relevant ethical issue: protection from harm (psychological distress from sleep deprivation).
- 2.Step 2: Explain why it is an issue: sleep deprivation can cause negative mood, anxiety, or fatigue.
- 3.Step 3: Suggest how to address it: limit deprivation to a safe duration, screen participants for vulnerability, provide debriefing and support.
Final Answer: One ethical issue is protection from harm. Sleep deprivation may cause psychological distress. To address this, researchers should limit deprivation to a maximum of 24 hours, exclude participants with pre-existing mental health conditions, and provide access to a clinical psychologist if needed.
Active Recall Memory Test
What is the difference between an aim and a hypothesis?
Key Fact: An aim is a general statement of what the researcher intends to investigate, while a hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction about the expected outcome, including operationalised variables.
What is operationalisation and why is it important?
Key Fact: Operationalisation is defining variables in terms of how they will be measured or manipulated. It is important because it makes variables measurable and testable, allowing replication and reducing ambiguity.
Give an example of a directional hypothesis.
Key Fact: Participants who drink caffeine will have significantly faster reaction times than participants who drink a placebo.
Why must ethical considerations be addressed when deciding on a research question?
Key Fact: To ensure the research does not cause harm, respects participants' rights, and maintains the integrity of the study. Ethical guidelines must be followed to protect participants and the reputation of psychology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a research question in psychology?
A research question is a clear, focused, and testable question that guides a psychological investigation. It identifies the variables of interest and the population being studied, and it is often expressed as an aim or hypothesis. A good research question is specific, ethical, and feasible to study.
How do I write a hypothesis for A-Level Psychology?
To write a hypothesis, first identify your independent variable (IV) and dependent variable (DV). Operationalise them by stating how they will be measured or manipulated. Then write a testable prediction that includes both variables and indicates whether you expect a difference or relationship. Use 'significant' to imply statistical testing.
What is the difference between a directional and non-directional hypothesis?
A directional (one-tailed) hypothesis predicts the specific direction of the effect, such as 'more than' or 'less than'. A non-directional (two-tailed) hypothesis predicts that there will be an effect, but does not specify the direction, such as 'there will be a difference'. The choice depends on existing theory or previous research.
Why is operationalisation important in a hypothesis?
Operationalisation is important because it defines variables in measurable terms, making the hypothesis testable and replicable. Without operationalisation, variables like 'aggression' or 'memory' are vague and cannot be objectively measured, leading to unreliable results.
What ethical issues should I consider when deciding on a research question?
Key ethical issues include informed consent, protection from harm, confidentiality, right to withdraw, and deception. You must ensure participants are not harmed, their data is kept secure, and they can leave the study at any time. Ethical approval must be obtained before conducting research.
How do I choose between a directional and non-directional hypothesis?
If previous research or theory clearly suggests a specific outcome, use a directional hypothesis. If findings are mixed or you are exploring a new area, use a non-directional hypothesis. In exams, if the question does not specify, either may be acceptable if justified, but always follow the instruction.