directional hypothesis

a scientific prediction stating (a) that an effect will occur and (b) whether that effect will specifically increase or specifically decrease, depending on changes to the independent variable. For example, a directional hypothesis could predict that depression scores will decrease following a 6-week intervention, or conversely that well-being will increase following a 6-week intervention. Also called directional alternative hypothesis; one-tailed hypothesis. Compare nondirectional hypothesis.

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Psychology term of the day

May 3rd 2024

maximin strategy

in game theory or decision making, a tactic in which an individual chooses the best of a set of worst possible outcomes or payoffs. For example, participants in a study may need to choose whichever outcome would best maximize a minimum advantage: withdrawing from a scenario in which they are currently performing poorly, or continuing and possibly doing even worse. Compare minimax strategy.