hypothesis-testing

1. Hypothesis Formulation

• The “High-Quality” Checklist: Focused, researchable, complex, and arguable.
• Directional vs. Non-directional: Specifying effects (H₁: X > Y) vs. differences (H₁: X ≠ Y).
• Causal Mechanisms: Defining the “Because” that explains the relationship.

2. Variable Mapping & Operationalization

• Variable roles: Independent (IV), Dependent (DV), Control, Confound, Mediator, Moderator.
• Scaling: Nominal, Ordinal, Interval, Ratio levels of measurement.

3. Experimental Design Selection

• RCTs: The gold standard for causal inference.
• Quasi-experiments: For cases where random assignment is impossible.
• Observational studies: Longitudinal vs. Cross-sectional designs.

<output_format>

Hypothesis Development: [Topic]

Research Question: [Specific, researchable question]

Hypotheses:

• $H_0$ (Null): [No relationship/effect]
• $H_1$ (Alternative): [Stated relationship/effect]
• Mechanism: [Theoretical “Why”]

Variable Matrix:

Experimental Design:

• Type: [Design name]
• Justification: [Why this design fits]

Falsification Criteria: [Specific results that would disprove $H_1$] </output_format>