Identifying IV and DV Variables and Hypotheses

 Below is an exercise to help you identify hypotheses and components of hypotheses in published studies.

Many published studies do not contain hypotheses; sometimes authors provide research questions, or they simply state a purpose and ignore research questions and hypotheses.

If hypotheses are present, normally authors locate hypotheses between the literature review and the method sections of reports.

Spend a few minutes to locate the hypotheses in the following reports:

(a) Humor and Psychology

Hughes, LW (2008). A correlational study the relationship between sense of humor and positive psychological capacities. Economic & Business Journal: Inquiries & Perspectives, 46-55.    

1. What hypotheses do the authors present?
2. Is this first hypothesis is directional, non-directional, or null?
3. What are the IV and DVs in the first hypothesis?

(b) Computer Assisted Instruction

Akour, A (2006) The effects of computer-assisted instruction on Jordanian college students' achievements in an introductory computer science course. Electronic Journal for the Integration of Technology in Education, 17-24. 

4. What is the hypothesis in this study?
5. Is this hypothesis directional, non-directional, or null?
6. What are the IV and DVs in these hypotheses?
7. What scale of measurement is the IV?

(c) Blood Pressure and Stereotype Threat  

Blascovich, J, Spencer, SJ, Quinn, D, & Steele, C. (2001). African Americans and high blood pressure: The role of stereotype threat. Psychological Science, 225-229.  

8. What is the hypothesis for this study?
9. What are the variables in this hypothesis, and which are IV and DV?