Ch. 8 Complex Designs

Question 1

What is a complex design?

Answer 1

Experiments that involve two or more independent variables studied simultaneously, and at least one dependent variable. the simplest complex design has two IVs with two levels each and one DV.

Question 2

What is factorial combination?

Answer 2

combine independent variables in an experiment and pair each level of one IV with each level of the IV(s)

Question 3

Example of a factorial combination of 2 IVs

Answer 3

IV 1: the picture book
IV 2: grade
version of picture book: barbie, emme, neutral
grade: kindergaten, 1st, 2nd
factorial combinations: 9 conditions
referred to as a “3 x 3” - 2 IVS, each with three levels

Question 4

Main effects of complex designs

Answer 4

overall effect of an IV in a complex design, effect on DV as if only that IV was studied

Question 5

Interaction effects of complex designs

Answer 5

combined effects of IVs considered simultaneously. an interaction effect occurs when the effect of an independent variable differs depending on the level of a 2nd IV

Question 6

If the interaction effect is not statistically significant?

Answer 6

generalize findings across conditions of the experiment

Question 7

if the interaction effect is statistically significant?

Answer 7

the presence of a statistically significant interaction effect sets limits on the external validity of a finding

Question 8

Ceiling Effects

Answer 8

Occurs when the true means for one or more condition(s) seems to get cut off by the upper limits of the scale used. When it occurs, an interaction effect is uninterpretable

Question 9

Floor Effects

Answer 9

Occurs when the true means for one or more condition(s) seems to get cut off by the lowest possible score. When it occurs, an interaction effect is uninterpretable