Experimental Design Flashcards
Independent Groups
when every condition within an experiment uses a different group of participants. performance then compared
IG Strengths
order effects no problem, less likely to show demand characteristics
IG Weaknesses
needs more participants, so more expensive and time consuming, participant variables a problem
Repeated Measures
when only one group of pps used
RM Strengths
fewer pps so less time and money, participant variable not a problem
RM Weaknesses
order effects may cause problems, easier to guess aim of study
Matched Pairs
pps are paired together on variables relevant to experimenter, placed in different conditions.
MP Strengths
order effects and pp variables not a problem, less likely to guess aim
MP Weaknesses
pps never matched perfectly, can be time consuming and expensive
Dealing with Order Effects
counter balancing - the participant sample is divided in half, with one half completing the two conditions in one order and the other half completing the conditions in the reverse order.