Research Methods Lesson 3: Experimental Designs

Independent Group Design AO1

Two separate groups experience two separate conditions. There are two levels to the IV: One per group.

Independent Group Design AO3

1. Less economical; needs more people

2. People are not the same; Participant variables.

3. Order effects are not a problem.

Matched Pairs Design AO1

Pre work is done to balance the two groups. Participants are paired together then split based off of relevant variables in an attempt to control participant variables.

Matched Pairs Design AO3

1. Less order effects & Demand Characteristics.

2. Can’t match participants exactly.

3. Time consuming & Expensive.

Repeated Measures Design AO1

Each participant does first IV then second. All Participants experience both conditions

Repeated Measures Design AO3

1. Demand characteristics

2. Counterbalancing.

3. Order effects: Performance could improve through practice.

4. High validity