Matched Pairs

What’s1 major issue with repeated measures?

When participants are tested more than once , and experience all conditions of the experiment, there’s an increased likelihood they will be wise to the aims of the study.

What happens in a matched pairs?

Participants are paired together on a variable or variables relevant to the experiment.

How would matched pairs work in a memory study?

Participants might be matched on their IQ and the participants with the 1st and 2nd highest scores would be paired together and so on. Then participant from each pair would be allocated to a different condition of the experiment.

Why might participants be matched on their IQ in a memory study?

This might be a good indicator of their ability to recall information.

What is matched pairs an attempt to control?

The confounding variable of participant variables.

What do matched pairs often necessitate with?

The use of a pre-test if matching is to be effective.

What do participants only take part in?

A single condition

Wat’s less of a problem?

Order effects and demand characteristics.

What can never happen?

Participants can never be matched exactly.

What may matching be?

Time consuming and expensive, particularly if a pre-test is required.

What’s the difference between matched pairs and the other experimental designs?

It’s less economical.