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Diagnose the methodological issue with the student's current hypothesis. Explain why standard scientific methodology requires the student to change this phrasing, based on how the scientific method treats the existence of effects.
Case context: A student in a research methods class proposes a study on the effect of a new study technique. The student submits the following hypothesis to the professor: 'Using the new spaced-repetition app will not result in lower retention rates compared to traditional studying.' The professor returns the draft and asks the student to revise it so that it aligns with the scientific method's requirement for a positive hypothesis.
Question: Diagnose the methodological issue with the student's current hypothesis. Explain why standard scientific methodology requires the student to change this phrasing, based on how the scientific method treats the existence of effects.
Sample answer: The student's hypothesis attempts to prove a negative by asserting the absence of an effect (that retention will not be lower). Standard scientific methodology requires a positive hypothesis because science operates under the default assumption that an effect does not exist until evidence demonstrates it. Therefore, the student must predict the actual existence of a relationship, such as predicting that the app will improve retention, rather than just asserting that a negative outcome will not happen.
Key points:
- The current hypothesis incorrectly asserts the absence of an effect (attempts to prove a negative).
- A proper hypothesis must make a positive statement predicting a specific relationship or effect.
- Science operates under the default assumption that an effect does not exist.
- Researchers must actively seek evidence to demonstrate the presence of an effect rather than its absence.
Rubric: Full credit is given when the learner comprehends and explains that the current hypothesis asserts the absence of an effect, and correctly links the need for a positive hypothesis to the default scientific assumption that no effect exists.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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