experimental designs

• independent groups

  Participants only complete one level of the independent variable.
• evaluations - independent groups

  strength(s):

  -reduced demand characteristics.

  
  

  weakness(es):

  -increased participant variables.
• repeated measures

  Participants complete all levels of the independent variable.
• evaluations - repeated measures

  strength(s):

  -reduced participant variables.

  -easier than independent groups; less participants are needed.

  
  

  weakness(es):

  -increased demand characteristics.
• matched pairs

  Participants are paired up based on certain characteristics relevant to the research. One participant is put in the control group, one participant is put in the experimental group.
• evaluations - matched pairs

  strength(s):

  -both groups should be more representative of the target population.

  
  

  weakness(es):

  -can take more time and cost more money.