Research Design

Question 1

What is a research design? Give 3 types of research design.

Answer 1

1. The way ppts are assigned to conditions
2. Independent group
3. Repeated measures
4. Matched pairs

Question 2

What is an independent group design? Strengths and weaknesses?

Answer 2

1. Ppts take part in only 1 condition - each exp condition has a diff group of ppts
2. Strengths
   - No order effects
3. Weaknesses
   - More ppts needed than repeated measures
   - May be ind diffs between groups (ppt variable)

Question 3

How can we improve independent groups designs?

Answer 3

Random allocation

Question 4

What is a repeated measures design? Strengths and weaknesses?

Answer 4

1. Ppts take part in BOTH conditions
2. Strengths
   - less ppts needed
   - no ind diff between groups
3. Weaknesses
   - Demand characteristics
   - Order effects - results may reflect practice or fatigue

Question 5

How can we improve repeated measures designs?

Answer 5

Counterbalancing or random allocation

Question 6

What is a matched pairs design?

Answer 6

1. Match ppts in both conditions based on characteristics
2. Strengths
   - Fair comparison b/c groups are equally matched
3. Weaknesses
   - Time-consuming
   - Not all characteristics can be equally matched