Experimental Design

Question 1

What is an independent groups design?

Answer 1

Each participant takes part in only one of the conditions

Question 2

What is a repeated measures design?

Answer 2

Each participant takes part in all conditions

Question 3

What is counterbalancing used for?

Answer 3

To reduce order effects by ensuring that participants variables occur with equal frequency in all conditions

Question 4

What is randomisation?

Answer 4

Using chance to decide the order which participants experience the experiment

Question 5

What is a matched pairs design?

Answer 5

Participants in each condition of the experiment are matched according to important variables

Question 6

Strengths of an independent groups design?

Answer 6

• no order effects
• saving of time and effort
• demand characteristics reduced

Question 7

Limitations of an independent groups design?

Answer 7

• participant variables

- twice as many participants needed

Question 8

Strengths of a repeated measures design?

Answer 8

• fewer participants

- participant variables not a concern

Question 9

Limitation of a repeated measures design?

Answer 9

-risk of order effects

Question 10

Strengths of a matched pairs design?

Answer 10

• good control of participant variables

- eliminates order effects

Question 11

Limitation of matched pairs design?

Answer 11

-marching participants is difficult