Research Methods- Experimental Design Flashcards
What is an experimental group?
Group where ptpts are exposed to manipulation of the IV.
What is a control group?
Comparison group whose ptpts are not exposed to IV, to allow a stronger cause and effect relationship to be established.
What is an independent groups design?
Different ptpts used in each condition of an experiment. Random allocation should decide which condition a ptpt is allocated to.
What are the advantages of independent groups designs?
Order effects cannot be observed, as no ptpts are used in more than one condition.
Data collection less time consuming, conditions can be conducted simultaneously.
What are the disadvantages of independent groups designs?
Different ptpts need to be recruited for each condition- difficult and expensive.
Risk of individual differences affecting results between conditions.
What is a matched pairs design?
Pairs of ptpts are matched in terms of a key variable. One member of each pair placed in experimental group, one in control group.
What are the advantages of matched pairs designs?
Order effects will not be observed.
Reduces risk of participant variables (individual differences) from affecting results between conditions.
What are the disadvantages of matched pairs designs?
Time consuming to recruit/pair participants.
Matching is a complex process.
What is a repeated measures design?
The same participants take part in each condition.
What are the advantages of repeated measures designs?
No individual differences.
Don’t need to recruit new individuals.
What are the disadvantages of repeated measures designs?
Risk of order effects (practise/fatigue effects or demand characteristics)
Risk of ptpt dropping out and data will be lost from both conditions rather than just one.
