9.1.3 - Experimental/research designs

Question 1

Define ‘repeated measures design’.

Answer 1

An experimental design where the same participants take part in each condition of the IV

Question 2

Give the 2 strengths of the repeated measured design.

Answer 2

One group used - individual differences aren’t an issue

Fewer participants - economic benefit

Question 3

Give the 2 weaknesses of the repeated measured design.

Answer 3

Order effects can come into play

Demand characteristics can affect results if the aim is figured out

Question 4

Give 2 methods of overcoming the weaknesses of the repeated measures design.

Answer 4

Counter-balancing

Randomisation of order of conditions

Question 5

Define ‘independent groups design’.

Answer 5

An experimental design where participants are split into 2 groups with each one doing a different condition

Question 6

Give the 2 strengths of the ‘independent groups design’.

Answer 6

No demand characteristics - experiment only done once

No order effects - experiments with both conditions occur simultaneously

Question 7

Give the 2 weaknesses of the ‘independent groups design’.

Answer 7

Individual differences can be extraneous variables and affect results

More participants - more expensive

Question 8

Give the one method to overcome the weaknesses of the ‘independent groups design’.

Answer 8

Randomly allocate participants to conditions which theoretically distribute participant variables evenly

Question 9

Define ‘matched pairs design’.

Answer 9

An experimental design where different participants are used for each condition of the experiment but are allocated based on a relevant participant variable

Question 10

Give the 2 strengths of the matched pairs design.

Answer 10

Reduced order effects

Differences between the two groups are minimised