Final answer:
In hypothesis formulation, an independent variable induces changes and a dependent variable is the effect caused by those changes. The direction of association determines how changes in the independent variable influence the dependent variable. To test a hypothesis, specific tools and methodologies are used.
Step-by-step explanation:
In hypothesis formulation, there are two types of variables. These consist of independent and dependent variables. The former, often denoted as the x-axis in graphs, induces changes in a scenario or experiment. These variables are independent because their values are not influenced by other variables. On the other side, dependent variables are the effects or outcomes that result from the changes in the independent variables. Their values are reliant on the changes in the independent variables.
When referring to the 'direction of association', refers to the direction in which changes in the independent variable affect the dependent variable. A positive direction shows that as the independent variable increases, the dependent variable increases too, and vice versa. Conversely, a negative direction implies that the increase in the independent variable leads to a reduction in the dependent variable.
To test a hypothesis, you can conduct a double-blind study, use control groups, and employ cross-sectional research or correlation coefficients. Tools such as correlation, regression, and representational models help in analyzing these relationships and provide the ability to pose scientific questions from them, assisting in further research and study.
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