Evaluation of Experimental Designs

• What is the role of the independent variable in experimental design?

  It is manipulated by the researcher
• What is a randomized block design in experimental research?

  • Participants grouped by a blocking variable (e.g., gender)
  • Random assignment to treatment conditions follows
• What does external validity refer to in medical education research?

  It refers to the generalizability of results
• What is a control group in an experiment?

  A group that doesn't receive the treatment
• What is a consequence of needing larger sample sizes in medical education research?

  It impacts statistical validity
• How does the repeated measures design work?

  Same participants experience all conditions
• How do researchers determine if the new study method improves learning?

  By comparing exam scores between groups
• What is a blocking variable in a randomized block design?

  A variable used to group participants
• How does a control group help isolate the effect of the independent variable?

  By providing a standard for comparison
• What are the strengths and limitations of each experimental design type?

  • Randomized Block:
  • Strength: Controls for blocking variable
  • Limitation: Can become complex
  • Repeated Measures:
  • Strength: Same participants
  • Limitation: Order effects need counterbalancing
  • Independent Groups:
  • Strength: No order effects
  • Limitation: Need more participants
• How might a randomized block design be used in a study?

  Compare methods with boys/girls separately
• What is required for each setting to ensure external validity?

  Power calculations
• What are the three main types of experimental designs?

  Randomized block design, repeated measures, independent groups
• Why is informed consent important in experimental design?

  It ensures participants are aware of the study
• What are the components of an experimental design?

  • Independent variable
  • Dependent variable
  • Control group
  • Random assignment
• How does pre-testing threaten internal validity?

  It leads to improved performance in both groups
• What is the purpose of a control group in experimental design?

  To provide a comparison with no treatment
• What is a key requirement of repeated measures design?

  Counterbalancing to avoid order effects
• In a study on a new study method, what would the control group use?

  Traditional methods
• What is the overall impact of the interconnected challenges in medical education experiments?

  It makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions
• What is the complexity level of independent groups?

  Simple
• What are the key considerations when selecting an experimental design?

  • Resources
  • Complexity
  • Statistical power
  • Control
• What is a limitation of the randomized block design?

  Can become complex
• What are the key roles of a control group in experimental designs?

  • Provides a standard for comparison
  • Helps isolate the effect of the independent variable
  • Ensures that observed changes are due to the treatment
• Why are independent groups considered simpler?

  They involve separate participants for each condition
• Why is random assignment important in experimental design?

  It ensures groups are equal
• What does internal validity refer to in medical education research?

  It refers to the cause-effect relationship
• What is the control level of repeated measures designs?

  Stronger control over individual differences
• Why is a control group important in experiments?

  It provides a baseline for comparison
• What is a strength of the independent groups design?

  No order effects
• What is a strength of the repeated measures design?

  Same participants
• What is the complexity level of randomized block designs?

  Moderate complexity
• How does the use of a blocking variable enhance a randomized block design?

  • Controls for variability among participants
  • Ensures more accurate treatment effect estimation
• What is a strength of the randomized block design?

  Controls for blocking variable
• What is the statistical power of repeated measures with counterbalancing?

  Higher than without counterbalancing
• What is the main difference between repeated measures and independent groups designs?

  Repeated measures use the same participants, independent groups do not
• What does the dependent variable represent in an experiment?

  It is measured to see its effect
• How does randomized block design improve control?

  It controls for confounding variables
• What is necessary to address order effects in repeated measures?

  Counterbalancing
• What do order effects refer to in repeated measures design?

  Influence of the sequence of conditions on results