7.1.3.3 Matched Pairs

• Why is it important to match participants in a matched pairs design?

  To control for variables that could affect results
• What can be a consequence of not achieving perfect matching in pairs?

  It may lead to biased results
• What is the first step in setting up a matched pairs design?

  Identify matching characteristics
• Why might it be difficult to find matched pairs?

  Finding similar pairs on key traits is hard
• What happens to one student in each matched pair during the study?

  One uses the new method, the other the old
• How can matched pairs be used in studying new methods?

  • Ensures improvements are due to the method
  • Controls for pre-existing performance differences
  • Provides a clearer comparison of results
• What is a potential issue with matching pairs perfectly?

  Some differences may still affect results
• What is the main characteristic of independent groups design?

  Participants are randomly placed in separate groups
• If you are matching participants based on IQ, what is the next step after identifying matching characteristics?

  Match participants into pairs
• What is a matched pairs design?

  A design pairing participants with similar traits
• What is one advantage of matched pairs in experiments?

  Controls participant variables
• How would you implement a matched pairs design in a study?

  Pair participants by traits and assign groups
• In a study testing a new method, how might you match students?

  By their prior grades
• What are the steps involved in setting up a matched pairs design?

  1. Identify matching characteristics (e.g., age, IQ)
  2. Match participants into pairs based on traits
  3. Randomly assign one member from each pair to different groups
• What is the significance of controlling participant variables in matched pairs?

  It ensures results reflect the study's focus
• What types of traits are participants matched on?

  Characteristics like age or background.
• What is a disadvantage of using matched pairs?

  Time-consuming to find matches
• How do matched pairs help in ensuring accurate results?

  They balance out traits for reliable findings
• What is a key characteristic of matched pairs?

  Pairs of participants are formed.
• How does random assignment work in a matched pairs design?

  One member from each pair is assigned randomly
• How would you use matched pairs in an exercise study?

  • Match participants by fitness level
  • Assign one to exercise group
  • Assign the other to control group
  • Ensure differences in sleep are due to exercise
• How are participants assigned to groups in matched pairs?

  One member goes to each experimental group.
• How do matched pairs designs control for individual differences?

  By pairing participants with similar traits
• Why do researchers use matched pairs designs?

  To balance groups based on participant traits
• How do matched pairs differ from independent groups?

  Matched pairs ensure balanced groups, unlike independent groups.
• What does the repeated measures design eliminate?

  Participant variables
• What is a key difference between matched pairs and independent groups designs?

  Matched pairs control for individual differences
• How would you implement matched pairs in a medication study?

  Pair individuals with similar anxiety levels
• What are the key differences between independent groups, matched pairs, and repeated measures designs?

  • Independent Groups: Random assignment to groups
  • Matched Pairs: Participants paired on traits, then assigned
  • Repeated Measures: Same participants in all conditions
• What potential issues are associated with each experimental design?

  • Independent Groups: Individual differences between groups
  • Matched Pairs: Difficulty in finding perfect matches
  • Repeated Measures: Order effects (practice, fatigue)
• What is the process of creating matched pairs in a study?

  • Identify relevant traits (e.g., age, gender)
  • Pair participants with similar traits
  • Assign each member of the pair to different groups
• How would you use independent groups in a medication study?

  Randomly assign people to medication or placebo
• How would you conduct a repeated measures study for medication testing?

  Give all participants both medication and placebo
• Why are participants matched in matched pairs?

  To control for relevant traits affecting results.
• What is the purpose of matching in experiments?

  To reduce the impact of participant-related variables.
• What challenge does the repeated measures design introduce?

  Order effects