experimental design

Question 1

What is meant by repeated measures?

Answer 1

Each participant takes part in both conditions of the experiment

Question 2

What is meant by independent groups?

Answer 2

Each participant is selected for either the experimental group OR the control group- they only take part in one condition

Question 3

What is meant by matched pairs?

Answer 3

Each participant is selected for only one group but are matched based on some factor which is relevant to the experiment

Question 4

advantages/disadvantages of independent groups

Answer 4

advantages:
-no order effects
-avoids demand characteristics

disadvantages:
-cannot control individual differences, one group may simply just be ‘better’ or ‘worse’
-requires twice as many participants

Question 5

advantages/disadvantages of matched pairs

Answer 5

advantages:
-individual differences can be limited
-order effects are eliminated

disadvantages:
-some individual differences may remain

Question 6

advantages/disadvantages of repeated measures

Answer 6

advantages :
-no individual differences between the groups
-fewer participants are required

disadvantages:
-order effects
-demand characteristics