WJEC A Level Psychology
WJEC A Level Psychology Deciding on a Research Question Exam Questions
Free WJEC A Level Psychology revision for Deciding on a Research Question: what you need to know, common mistakes and exam-style questions with answers. Covers aims, alternative, experimental and null hypotheses, directional and non-directional hypotheses, independent, dependent and co-variables, operationalisation and extraneous and confounding variables.
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A-Level Psychology Flashcards for 2027 Onwards
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About WJEC A Level Psychology Deciding on a Research Question
Deciding on a research question is the first area of research principles in Unit 2 Section B. You learn to write clear aims, turn them into testable hypotheses and identify and operationalise the variables involved. These are core skills for the AS exam, especially the application of research methods to a novel scenario, where you may be asked to write a hypothesis for an unseen study. They are also built on in Unit 4. Examiners look for hypotheses where both variables are operationalised and the wording fits the design, and for correct use of the terms extraneous and confounding.
What you need to know
- Aims An aim states the purpose of the investigation, for example 'to investigate whether caffeine affects reaction time'.
- Hypotheses The alternative hypothesis (called the experimental hypothesis in an experiment) predicts a difference or relationship. The null hypothesis states there will be no difference or relationship.
- Directional and non-directional A directional hypothesis predicts the direction of the result and is used when past research points one way. A non-directional hypothesis predicts a difference or relationship without giving its direction.
- Variables The independent variable is manipulated; the dependent variable is measured. In correlational studies the two measured variables are co-variables.
- Operationalisation Making variables measurable, for example 'reaction time in milliseconds on a computer test' instead of 'reaction speed'.
- Extraneous and confounding variables Extraneous variables could affect the DV and should be controlled, for example with standardised instructions. A confounding variable changes systematically with the IV, so the effect of the IV cannot be isolated.
Common mistakes in Deciding on a Research Question
- Writing hypotheses that are too vague. Each variable must be operationalised so the prediction can be tested.
- Using 'difference' wording for a correlation. Correlational hypotheses predict a relationship between co-variables.
- Stating the null hypothesis as a reverse prediction. It predicts no difference or no relationship.
- Identifying the DV as the thing being changed. The IV is changed; the DV is measured.
- Not explaining how a confounding variable affects the results. Say how it varies with the IV and why that makes the conclusion unclear.
Try three Deciding on a Research Question exam-style questions
1. Identify the IV and DV in a study testing whether chewing gum improves the number of anagrams solved in five minutes. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
IV: whether participants chew gum or not; DV: number of anagrams solved in five minutes.
2. Write a non-directional hypothesis for the study above. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
There will be a difference in the number of anagrams solved in five minutes between participants who chew gum and those who do not.
3. Explain why a researcher might choose a directional hypothesis. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Previous research or theory suggests the result will go in a particular direction; so the researcher can make a specific prediction about which condition will score higher.
Deciding on a Research Question FAQs
What does WJEC A Level Psychology Unit 2 Deciding on a Research Question cover?
Aims, types of hypothesis, the IV, DV and co-variables, operationalisation, and extraneous and confounding variables.
Which paper is this examined in?
It is examined in Section B of Unit 2, Psychology: Using Psychological Concepts, which covers principles of research and the application of research methods to a novel scenario.
How do I check my hypothesis is correct?
Check it names both conditions or co-variables, says how each is measured, uses 'difference' or 'relationship' correctly, and matches whether a direction has been predicted.
