1. Aims and Hypotheses
The following topics as detailed on the specification are covered
-Aims
-Hypotheses, including directional and non directional
Concepts also covered
-Operationalisation of variables

2. Aims and hypotheses
An aim is a simple term, it is basically what a psychology aims to research. Aims are linked to hypotheses, but are often confused by pupils. An aim focuses on an area of research, whereas hypotheses are used to state expectations of a research study.

3. Aims
So an aim in its simplest form is a description of what a research wishes to investigate.

4. Hypotheses
A hypothesis is a testable statement, of an expected outcome between variables. The key here is to remember it is a statement. “I think/predict/expect” are all things to be avoided when writing a hypothesis. Use the variables, operationalise these and make clear the expected outcome. Consider the following variables: sleep and exam performance. A basic hypothesis will entail the following: sleep will have a positive/negative effect on exam performance.

5. Directional/non directional hypotheses
Psychologists make predictions about expected outcomes of research studies, these predictions can be made using a directional or a non directions (also referred to as one tailed and two tailed) hypothesis. Directional (one tailed) states the expectation of our effects. For example, increase, decrease, positive, negative, higher, low, bigger or smaller etc. A non-directional (two tailed) states there will be an effect, but does not state the expected effect. Consider our previous variables sleep and exam performance. A directional hypothesis may state: sleep will have a positive effect on exam performance. A non-directional hypothesis may state: sleep will have an effect on exam performance.

6. Null hypothesis
A null hypothesis simply states there will be no effects of one variable on another. As psychology makes use of the scientific method of inquiry, it is the focus of a research to disprove the null hypothesis and find evidence to support their hypothesis. Consider our original variable, sleep and exam performance. Null hypothesis: sleep will have no effect on exam performance. If a psychologists results are significant, they are able to reject their null hypothesis and accept their experimental hypothesis. Ensure you are aware of the difference between a null and non-directional hypothesis. Pupils often confuse these because of the similarity between the words null and non! Null=no effects Non=expected effects not stated

7. Operationalising your variables
This means to simply give your variables meaning and measurement. Operationalisation is crucial to ensure you achieve full marks for any exam question on hypotheses. Consider an operationalised directional hypothesis using the following variables: sleep and exam performance. Pupils who have a higher number of hours sleep will achieve a greater score on their exams. Sleep can be operationalised by number of hours and exam performance by grade or score. Chances are in the exam you will be given a scenario and be asked to write a hypothesis of some kind using the material. The simple but crucial steps to gain full marks involve the following -Ensure you are giving the correct hypothesis (null/directional/non-directional) -Ensure you include operationalised variables -Ensure your hypothesis is a concise statement (do not use I think or I predict)