Single-Factor vs Factorial Design: Quiz and Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of a pilot experiment in the context of experimental design?

To test small groups before planning a full-scale investigation.

How is the number of groups in an experiment determined?

By the number of levels of the independent variable (factor) to be applied.

In the context of experimental design, what are 'levels'?

Chosen amounts, intensities, amplitudes, categories, doses, etc., of the independent variable.

When is the retrospective method commonly used in experiments?

For uncontrolled experiments with classification variables beyond the investigator's control. Signup and view all the answers

What does the prospective method primarily involve in experimental design?

Applying 'fixed' experimental treatments under the investigator's control as independent variables. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of controlled investigations in experimental design?

To eliminate random errors by rigorously determining and controlling independent variables. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between single-factor and factorial experiments?

Single-factor experiments focus on one independent variable, while factorial experiments study the effect of combinations of multiple independent variables. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to calculate the sample size statistically before conducting an experiment?

To ensure that the sample is truly representative of the population and includes individuals of different types or categories in the same proportions as the population. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of randomization in an experiment?

To ensure that biases are minimized and that the treatment groups are comparable, thus increasing the internal validity of the study. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to minimize the effects of relevant variables in an experiment?

To ensure that the observed changes in the dependent variable are truly due to the independent variable being studied and not influenced by other variables. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of a two-way factorial experiment?

It allows studying the main effects of two independent variables as well as the interaction effect between them. Signup and view all the answers

How does the size of the sample impact the representativeness of the population?

A larger sample size increases the likelihood of representing the population accurately by including diverse individuals in proportion to their occurrence in the population. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of replicating each level of the factor in an experiment?

To minimize experimental errors Signup and view all the answers

How is the size (n) of each group determined in an experiment?

The size is determined by the desired number of replications of each level of the factor. Signup and view all the answers

What is the key benefit of randomly allocating individuals to different groups in an experiment?

Random allocation helps minimize bias and ensure comparability among groups. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for all individuals in a group to be exposed to the same level of the factor in an experiment?

To ensure that the effect observed is due to the factor being studied and not other variables. Signup and view all the answers

How does sample size calculation impact the design of an experiment?

Sample size calculation ensures there are enough participants to detect a significant effect. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of applying each level of the factor to more than one individual?

To replicate the treatment effect and increase the reliability of the results. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Experimental Design Fundamentals

The purpose of a pilot experiment is to test the feasibility and validity of the research design, procedures, and instruments before conducting the main experiment.

Group Determination

The number of groups in an experiment is determined by the number of levels of the independent variable being investigated.

Levels in Experimental Design

In experimental design, 'levels' refer to the different values or settings of the independent variable being manipulated.

Retrospective Method

The retrospective method is commonly used in experiments when the researcher is looking back at past events or data to investigate the relationship between variables.

Prospective Method

The prospective method primarily involves collecting data as the experiment unfolds, often in real-time, to investigate the relationship between variables.

Controlled Investigations

The main purpose of controlled investigations in experimental design is to ensure that the only factor influencing the outcome is the independent variable being manipulated.

Single-Factor vs. Factorial Experiments

The main difference between single-factor and factorial experiments is that single-factor experiments investigate the effect of one independent variable, while factorial experiments investigate the effect of multiple independent variables.

Sample Size Calculation

It is important to calculate the sample size statistically before conducting an experiment to ensure that the sample is representative of the population and to minimize errors.

Randomization

The purpose of randomization in an experiment is to minimize bias and ensure that each group has an equal chance of containing certain characteristics or traits.

Minimizing Variable Effects

It is important to minimize the effects of relevant variables in an experiment to ensure that the results are due to the independent variable being manipulated and not to other external factors.

Two-Way Factorial Experiment

A two-way factorial experiment is significant because it allows researchers to investigate the interaction between two independent variables and their effects on the dependent variable.

Sample Size and Population Representativeness

The size of the sample impacts the representativeness of the population, with larger samples generally being more representative.

Replicating Levels

The purpose of replicating each level of the factor in an experiment is to increase the reliability and accuracy of the results.

Group Size Determination

The size (n) of each group in an experiment is determined by the sample size calculation and the number of groups required.

Random Allocation

The key benefit of randomly allocating individuals to different groups in an experiment is that it minimizes bias and ensures that each group has an equal chance of containing certain characteristics or traits.

Uniform Exposure

It is important for all individuals in a group to be exposed to the same level of the factor in an experiment to ensure that the results are due to the independent variable being manipulated and not to other external factors.

Sample Size Calculation Impact

Sample size calculation impacts the design of an experiment by determining the number of participants required and the allocation of resources.

Applying Levels of the Factor

The purpose of applying each level of the factor to more than one individual is to increase the reliability and accuracy of the results and to minimize errors.

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Description

Explore the differences between single-factor and factorial experiments in research design. Learn how single-factor experiments focus on one independent variable, while factorial experiments analyze the effects of multiple independent variables on a dependent variable.

Single-factor vs Factorial Experiments