experimental design Flashcards
(30 cards)
What is an experimental design?
It refers to the way in which participants are used in experiments, specifically how they are arranged in relation to different experimental conditions.
What is an independent groups design?
A design where two separate groups of participants experience two different conditions of the experiment.
In an independent groups design, how many levels of the independent variable does each participant experience?
Each participant experiences only one level of the independent variable.
In the SpeedUp energy drink investigation, what would group 1 do?
Group 1 would drink the energy drink (condition A, the experimental condition).
In the SpeedUp energy drink investigation, what would group 2 do?
Group 2 would drink water (condition B, the control condition).
How is performance compared in an independent groups design?
By comparing the mean scores (e.g., number of words spoken) between the two groups.
What is a repeated measures design?
A design where all participants experience both conditions of the experiment.
How does a repeated measures design work in the SpeedUp study?
Each participant would be tested in both conditions: drinking the energy drink and drinking water.
What is a matched pairs design?
A design where participants are paired based on variables relevant to the experiment, and each member of the pair is allocated to a different condition.
Why might participants be paired on IQ in a matched pairs design?
Because IQ may be a good indicator of their ability to recall information.
What is the main advantage of matched pairs design?
It attempts to control for participant variables and order effects.
What is the biggest issue with independent groups design?
Differences between groups may be due to participant variables, not the independent variable.
How can researchers deal with participant variable issues in independent groups design?
By using random allocation.
What is a disadvantage of independent groups design in terms of resources?
It is less economical as each participant contributes only one result, requiring more participants.
What is a strength of independent groups design?
Order effects are not a problem.
What is the biggest issue with repeated measures design?
Order effects, where doing one task affects performance on the next.
How can researchers deal with order effects in repeated measures design?
By using counterbalancing.
What is counterbalancing?
An approach where the order of conditions is varied among participants to control for order effects.
What is a potential disadvantage of repeated measures design related to demand characteristics?
Participants may work out the aim of the study, which can affect their behavior.
What is a strength of repeated measures design?
Participant variables are controlled and fewer participants are needed.
What is a disadvantage of matched pairs design?
It can be time-consuming and expensive, especially if a pre-test is required.
How do matched pairs designs address order effects?
Participants only take part in one condition, so order effects are less of a problem.
What is a limitation of matched pairs design regarding participant variables?
It is difficult to match participants exactly, so some differences may remain.
What is a confounding variable?
A variable other than the independent variable that may affect the dependent variable.
