Types Of Experimental Design

Question 1

Independent groups design (Between-subjects design)

Answer 1

Different participants are assigned to different conditions of the IV and the DV are compared between two groups

Adv - Easy to design and analyse
Disadv - Requires more participants; individual differences between groups may affect results

(Eg. Group A sleep 4hrs, B sleep 8hrs, memory is tested for both)

Question 2

Repeated measures design (Within-subjects design)

Answer 2

The same participants experience all levels of the IV

Adv - Fewer participants needed
Disadv - May cause order effects (participants can before better due to constant repetition or worse due to fatigue)

Question 3

Matched pairs design

Answer 3

Participants are paired based on similar characteristics and each member of the pair is placed in a different group

Adv - Reduces individual differences
Disadv - Time consuming to find matching pairs

Question 4

Laboratory experiments

Answer 4

Conducted in a controlled environment

Pros- High control over variables, high internal validity
Cons- May lack ecological validity

Question 5

Field experiments

Answer 5

Conducted in a natural setting

Pros- High ecological validity
Cons- Less control over extraneous variables (any variable other than the IV that can influence the DV)

Question 6

Quasi-experiments

Answer 6

Involves some level of manipulation but lacks full control, particularly over how participants are assigned to groups.

Pros- Can study variables that can’t ethically be manipulated
Cons- Lower internal validity due to lack of random assignment

Question 7

Natural experiments

Answer 7

Involves studying naturally occurring conditions without manipulation.