Experimental design

Question 1

What are the types of experimental design?

Answer 1

Repeated measures, independent groups, matched pairs.

Question 2

What does experimental design actually address?

Answer 2

The way the different levels of the IV are delivered.

Question 3

What is the main weakness of using repeated measures?

Answer 3

Order effects: practice effects, boredom effects

Question 4

How can order effects be dealt with?

Answer 4

Counterbalancing: each condition is tested first or second in equal amounts.
Group 1: Condition A then condition B
Group 2: Condition B then condition A
(ABBA alt. method but only need to know 1)

Question 5

What is the main weakness of using independent groups?

Answer 5

Participant variables e.g. better memories act as extraneous variables.

Question 6

How can participant variables theoretically be dealt with?

Answer 6

Randomly allocate Ps to conditions (even distribution).

Question 7

What are the weaknesses of matched pairs design?

Answer 7

Time, money and not all variables can be controlled?

Question 8

How can the time and money cost of matched pairs be countered?

Answer 8

Pilot study to identify key variables. Restrict the number of key variables that are being matched.