Basics of Research Methods 7

Experimental Design

Helps us to determine causality (cause and effect)

Standardization

Everything in the experiment stays the same.

Between-Subject Design

 Different participants test each condition. One group does Condition A, a completely different group does Condition B .

Within-Subjects Design

The same participants undergo all conditions. The same person does Condition A, then later does Condition B .

Carryover

The effect of the first condition is still there.  (e.g., the alcohol from Condition 1 is still in their system during Condition 2).

Pre-test Sensitization

Taking the test early might tip the participant off to what the study is about, changing their behavior.

Factorial Design

Using two or more independent variables at the same time. E.g. alcohol AND gender

Experimenter Bias

 The researcher’s own gender, race, or expectations can unintentionally influence the data.

Demand Characteristics

Participants figure out the hypothesis (cues in the room, instructions) and try to be "good subjects" by acting how they think they should.

Matched Pairs

A solution for Between-Subjects designs where participants are paired based on specific traits (like age or weight) to ensure groups are equal, rather than relying solely on randomization

Counterbalancing Effect

A solution for Within-Subjects designs to prevent order effects. Half the participants perform the conditions in one order (A then B), and the other half do the reverse (B then A).

Placebo Effect

When a participant improves simply because they believe they received effective treatment, even if they received a fake one

Double-Blind Experiment

An experiment where neither the participant nor the researcher knows who is receiving the real treatment vs. the placebo. This prevents researcher bias and placebo effects.