Midterm Chapter 7

Question 1

Explain the advantages of multiple-level single-factor designs over two-level single factor designs. Create example studies to illustrate the advantages.

Answer 1

• multilevel designs allow the researchers to discover nonlinear effects, they can also test for specific alterntive hypothesis and rule them out while potentially supporting the researchers hypothesis

ex.) bransford and johnson:
-wanted to analyze the effect of context on memory. Participants were split into 3 groups. All participants were read a paragraph and group one was given no topic, group two was given the topic before reading, and group 3 was given the topic after reading

researchers could have made this a two level design with no topic given and topic given before, but then they would not have a deeper understanding of memory when information is being stored in the brain (topic before) or when it is being recalled (topic after)

Question 2

In what ways are independent groups designs and matched groups designs (a) similar, and (b) distinct? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?

Answer 2

both independent groups desing and matches groups designs are effective ways of creating equivalent groups within a study. however they differ in how the groups are actually created. In an independent groups design, participants are randomly assigned to each group, whereas in matched groups design, participants are paired up with a person with a similar “variable” or quality and then split into differential groups based on that.