Psychology Within-Subjects Design

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary advantage of using factorial designs in research?

They limit the number of variables studied.

They enable the investigation of multiple factors simultaneously. (correct)

They allow for a more simplistic analysis of data.

They eliminate all forms of bias in research.

Which of the following best describes an interaction effect in factorial designs?

An effect that occurs when the impact of one independent variable depends on the level of another variable. (correct)

An effect that can be ignored in most analyses.

An effect where only one independent variable influences the outcome.

An effect that allows for determining the average impact of all independent variables combined.

What is a significant disadvantage of using multiple independent variables in a factorial design?

A reduction in the flexibility of research questions.

Increased complexity in interpreting results. (correct)

A complete lack of statistical significance.

Increased research funding requirements.

Which statement correctly identifies a limitation of factorial designs?

They often require a larger sample size compared to simpler designs. Signup and view all the answers

What is a main effect in the context of factorial designs?

The impact of an independent variable averaged across levels of other variables. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of counterbalancing in experimental design?

To minimize order effects between conditions Signup and view all the answers

How is a factorial design identified using a numbering system?

By specifying both the number of independent variables and their levels Signup and view all the answers

If a study has a 3 × 2 factorial design, how many independent variables are being assessed?

3 independent variables Signup and view all the answers

In a 2 × 2 factorial design, how many conditions can be expected?

4 Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'levels' refer to in factorial designs?

The different amounts of each independent variable Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a proper factorial design?

3 × 4 × 2 factorial design Signup and view all the answers

In a factorial matrix, what does each cell represent?

A specific experimental condition Signup and view all the answers

What is the total number of conditions in a 2 × 3 × 4 factorial design?

12 Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of using a within-subject design compared to a between-subject design?

It reduces errors caused by individual differences. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a time-related threat to internal validity in a within-subject design?

Carryover effects Signup and view all the answers

What does counterbalancing aim to address in a repeated measures design?

Mitigate order effects. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes carryover effects?

They involve prior treatment influencing outcomes of subsequent treatments. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential issue that arises from subject attrition in a study?

It can lead to a biased sample if only highly motivated participants remain. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a practice effect?

Increased familiarity with the study improves performance on subsequent tasks. Signup and view all the answers

What is one disadvantage of using a within-subject design?

Time-related effects may confound results. Signup and view all the answers

How can order effects alter the outcomes of a repeated measures study?

By causing participants to fatigue and pay less attention over time. Signup and view all the answers

What does the number of digits in a factorial design indicate?

The number of independent variables in the experiment Signup and view all the answers

In a 4×3 factorial design, how many independent variables are being studied?

Two independent variables with four and three levels respectively Signup and view all the answers

What is the dependent variable in a study examining the effects of sleep deprivation on driving test performance?

Reaction times during the driving test Signup and view all the answers

Which design involves two independent variables with two levels each?

2×2 factorial design Signup and view all the answers

If a study has independent variables of learning environment and study strategy, both with two levels, which of the following factorial design is being utilized?

2×2 Signup and view all the answers

What kind of interaction might a researcher want to study when examining the impact of sleep deprivation and driver sex?

How the impact of one variable changes depending on the level of another variable Signup and view all the answers

In a factorial design study involving synchronous and asynchronous online learning, what would be a possible dependent variable?

Participants' academic performance Signup and view all the answers

In the example study with online learning environments, which of the following study strategies is included?

Collaborative learning Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Within-Subjects Design

Advantages:
- Requires a smaller sample size compared to between-subjects design.
- Reduces errors arising from individual differences.
Disadvantages:
- Susceptible to time-related effects:
  - History: External events can affect outcomes.
  - Maturation: Participants' natural changes over time can influence results.
  - Subject attrition: Participants dropping out can bias the sample.
- Prone to carryover effects:
  - Practice effects: Familiarity with the study can lead to improved performance.
  - Order effects: The order of conditions can impact outcomes.
  - Sequence effects: The interaction between conditions based on sequence can influence results.

Counterbalancing

A technique used to address order effects in within-subjects designs.
Involves dividing the participant sample in half, with each half completing the conditions in a different order.
For example, a study with two treatments (counseling and meditation) could be counterbalanced by assigning one group to receive counseling first, then meditation, and the other group to receive meditation first, then counseling.

Factorial Design

A study that involves more than one independent variable.
Typically involves two or three independent variables, but can incorporate more.

Identifying Factorial Design

Uses a numbering system that indicates the number of independent variables and their levels.
Example: A 2 × 3 factorial design has two independent variables, one with two levels and the other with three.
The total number of conditions in a factorial design equals the product of the levels of each independent variable.
For example, a 2 × 2 design has four conditions, one for each combination of the two independent variables' levels.

Types of Effects in Factorial Designs

Main effect: The effect of one independent variable on the dependent variable, averaged across the levels of other independent variables.
Interaction effect: When the effect of one independent variable on the dependent variable depends on the level of another independent variable.
Factorial designs are powerful for exploring the combined effects of multiple independent variables on a dependent variable.

Advantages of Factorial Designs

Investigate multiple factors in a single experiment, saving time and resources.
Identify both main effects and interaction effects.
Provide increased statistical power.
Flexible and widely applicable across different fields of research.

Disadvantages of Factorial Designs

Increased complexity in interpreting results, particularly with interaction effects.
Require larger sample sizes than simpler designs.
Potential for confounding due to interaction effects.
Limitations in generalizability to other contexts.

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Description

Explore the advantages and disadvantages of within-subjects design in psychology research. This quiz covers concepts like time-related effects, carryover effects, and counterbalancing techniques to mitigate potential biases.