Factorial Designs

This set of flashcards covers key terms and definitions related to factorial designs in research methods.

Factor

An independent variable (IV) in an experiment, especially those that include two or more IVs.

Factorial design

A research design that includes two or more factors (independent variables).

Two-factor design

A research design with two independent variables.

Single-factor design

A research design with one independent variable.

3 x 2 x 2 design

A three-factor design with a total of 12 conditions.

Main effect

The mean differences among the levels of one factor in a two-factor study.

Interactions

When the effect of one factor depends on the level of another factor.

Between-subjects design

A design that requires a large number of participants and avoids order effects by using different participants for each condition.

Within-subjects design

A design where each participant undergoes all conditions, making it time-consuming and riskier for attrition.

Mixed designs

Research designs that combine within-subjects and between-subjects factors.

Higher-order factorial designs

Research designs involving three or more factors, extending the concepts of two-factor designs.

Statistical analysis in factorial designs

Involves computing the mean for each treatment condition and using ANOVA to evaluate significance.

Replication

Repeating a study using the same factor or IV exactly as employed in the earlier study.

Expansion

Adding a second factor involving new conditions or participant characteristics in a study.

Reducing variance in between-subjects designs

Using participant variables as a second factor to reduce variance within groups.

Identifying factorial designs

Look for factorial notation and descriptions of significant interactions and main effects in research articles.