A researcher uses the following hypothesis in a study: excessive listening to alternative music will lead to increased depression in young teenagers. Which of the following descriptors can be applied to this hypothesis?
A) Complex, associative
B) Complex, negative
C) Positive, causal
D) Simple, nondirectional

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The research hypothesis is simple because there are two variables (listening to alternative music and depression), causal because it predicts that excessive listening will lead to depression, and positive because more listening will lead to more depression.
The hypothesis goes further than predicting a relationship; it says that one variable causes the other. The research hypothesis is simple because there are two variables (listening to alternative music and depression), causal because it predicts that excessive listening will lead to depression, and positive because more listening will lead to more depression.
The hypothesis included only two variables, and the relationship predicted is a positive one. The research hypothesis is simple because there are two variables (listening to alternative music and depression), causal because it predicts that excessive listening will lead to depression, and positive because more listening will lead to more depression.
Although the hypothesis is simple, it is directional. The research hypothesis is simple because there are two variables (listening to alternative music and depression), causal because it predicts that excessive listening will lead to depression, and positive because more listening will lead to more depression.

A Researcher Uses the Following Hypothesis in a Study: Excessive