Introduction to Experimental Research

These flashcards cover key concepts in experimental research, including design types and their implications.

What is a between subjects design in experimental research?

It involves two different groups (control and experimental), comprised of totally different participants.

What is the downside of a between subjects design?

There is a possibility that the two groups may differ in ways that were not accounted for, introducing confounding variables.

What defines a within subjects design?

In a within subjects design, the same group of participants is used for both control and experimental conditions.

What is the advantage of a within subjects design?

It eliminates inherent group differences as the same individuals serve as their own control.

What are order effects?

Order effects are changes in participants' responses due to the sequence in which they experience different experimental conditions.

How can order effects be minimized in a within subjects design?

By separating measurements in time, allowing time for recovery, or using counterbalancing.

What is counterbalancing in experimental research?

Counterbalancing is a technique where participants experience conditions in different orders to control for order effects.

What is quasi experimental research?

It involves comparing groups with predetermined categories, lacking random assignment and full experimenter control.

What is a common example of quasi experimental research?

Studying differences between men and women without the ability to randomly assign participants to conditions.

What is a limitation of quasi experimental research?

It cannot determine cause and effect definitively, only highlight potential causal relationships requiring further investigation.