Experimental Designs

Question 1

Advantages of Repeated Measures Design.

Answer 1

• Using same participants in E-group and C-group means that confounds caused by ‘participant variables’ will be eliminated.
• Can use fewer participants than other designs.

Question 2

Disadvantages of Repeated Measures Design.

Answer 2

• Takes a long time (drop-outs are likely).

- Order effects may occur (Practice, boredom, fatigue etc.).

Question 3

Advantage of Matched Participants Design.

Answer 3

The variable of which the participants are matched will not influence the results because its effects will be the same in the E-group and C-group.

Question 4

Disadvantages of Matched Participants Design.

Answer 4

• Very time-consuming to find out the value of the variable for each participant.
• If one of the pair drops out, the scores for the other must also be eliminated.

Question 5

Advantage of Independent Groups Design.

Answer 5

Can be done all at once and drop-outs are unlikely.

Question 6

Disadvantage of Independent Groups Design.

Answer 6

Needs a large number of participants to ensure that the spread of participant variables in the sample will match the spread in the population.