A cognitive psychologist is planning an experiment to investigate the effect of 15 Hz binaural beats on working memory capacity. Participants are randomly allocated to either listen to 15 Hz binaural beats or to white noise while completing a digit span test. Because previous literature is contradictory, the researcher does not want to predict whether the binaural beats will improve or worsen performance, only that a difference will exist.
Which of the following is the most appropriate operationalised, non-directional hypothesis (H1H_1H1) for this study?
There will be a significant difference in the mean digit span scores of participants who listen to 15 Hz15\text{ Hz}15 Hz binaural beats compared to those who listen to white noise.
Participants who listen to 15 Hz15\text{ Hz}15 Hz binaural beats will obtain higher mean digit span scores than participants who listen to white noise.
There will be no significant difference in the mean digit span scores between participants who listen to 15 Hz15\text{ Hz}15 Hz binaural beats and participants who listen to white noise.
Listening to binaural beats will significantly affect a participant's general cognitive performance and memory.
