Chapter 8: Experimental Designs - Between-Subjects Design

This set of flashcards covers the key concepts related to between-subjects experimental designs, including definitions, advantages, disadvantages, and the importance of controlling individual differences.

What is the primary goal of between-subjects design?

To demonstrate a cause-and-effect relationship between two variables.

What does a within-subjects design entail?

Different sets of scores are obtained from the same group of participants.

What are three primary techniques for limiting confounding by individual differences in between-subjects experiments?

Random assignment, matched assignment, and holding variables constant.

Why is individual differences considered a confounding variable in between-subjects designs?

Because groups should be as similar as possible except for the independent variable; differences can affect the outcome.

What is a disadvantage of between-subjects designs?

They require a relatively large number of participants.

How can differential attrition threaten internal validity in between-subjects designs?

If one group experiences significantly more dropout than another, it can create unequal groups.

What is the difference between a two-group design and a multiple-group design?

A two-group design compares two means while a multiple-group design compares means from three or more groups.

What is one advantage of using a between-subjects design?

Each individual's score is independent from all other scores.

What statistical technique is typically used to analyze a two-group mean difference?

Independent-measures t-test.

How can communication between groups be a threat to internal validity?

Participants may share information that could influence the outcomes, leading to confounding effects.