Research Method Booklets: Experimental Design

Question 1

What is independent groups?

And pro + cons

Answer 1

Participants only take part in one of the conditions in the independent variable

Pros
-no order effects are you only do one of two conditions
Cons
-the problem of individual differences eg. Gender

Question 2

What is repeated measures?

And pro + cons

Answer 2

Participants take part in both conditions

Pros

• as the same participants are used in each condition participant variables (individual differences) are reduced.
• fewer people are needed as they take part in both conditions (saves time)

Cons
-there may be order effects

Question 3

What is matched pairs?

And pros + cons

Answer 3

Participants are marched on key characteristics. Eg. Age, social status, gender. These factors would be related and important to the study.

Pros
-there are no individual differences
Cons
-it is difficult to match everyone on key characteristics

Question 4

Order effects definition

Answer 4

Participants are bored or tired with the study or they practiced before with the other study