Factorial Designs

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminology related to factorial designs in research, including definitions and explanations of main effects, interactions, and design types.

Factorial Design

A research study involving 2 or more independent variables (IVs), each with at least two levels, to see their collective effect on a dependent variable (DV).

Main Effect

The mean difference between conditions within a factor that shows the effect of an independent variable on the dependent variable.

Interaction

A situation where the effect of one factor (IV) on the dependent variable (DV) depends on the level of another factor (IV).

2 X 3 Design

A factorial design with 2 levels of the first factor and 3 levels of the second factor, resulting in 6 total treatment conditions.

Between-Subjects Design

A factorial design where different groups are used for each condition (cell), helping to avoid order effects.

Within-Subjects Design

A factorial design where the same group of participants experiences all conditions, which can increase statistical power but may involve testing effects.

Higher-Order Factorial Design

A design that involves 3 or more factors, which allows examination of multiple interactions and effects.

Significant Interaction

When the effect of one independent variable is not consistent across levels of another variable, indicating that the factors are interdependent.

Visual Representation of Interaction

When the results of a two-factor study graphed show nonparallel lines, indicating an interaction between the factors.

Mixed Design

A factorial design that combines between-subjects and within-subjects factors, allowing for the examination of factors that may produce different effects.