Experimental Design

Experimental design

The process of allocating participants to different conditions of the independent variable, like control or experimental groups.

Independent design (between-groups design)

Participants are assigned to only one group, often through randomization.

Matched participants design

Participants are assigned to one group, but individuals in both groups are matched based on relevant factors like ability, sex, or age.

Repeated measures design (within groups)

Each participant experiences both groups to ensure the same individuals are in each group.

Order effects

Changes in participants' performance due to their experiences during the experiment, like gaining information or feeling tired or bored.

Counterbalancing

A method to prevent order effects by ensuring each condition is equally likely to be experienced first or second by participants.

Control for other variables

Ensuring that groups being compared on an independent variable do not differ significantly in other important aspects.