Experimental design

Front

Repeated measures design

Back

The same participants are used in all conditions in an experiment.

Front

Independent groups design

Back

Participants are randomly allocated to two groups.

Front

Matched pairs design

Back

Pre-tests to make people into pairs, one from each pair into a different condition.

Front

Repeated Measures Advantage

Back

Individual differences are eliminated and fewer participants are required.

Front

Repeated Measures Disadvantage

Back

Order effect may take place (e.g. practice, boredom).

Front

Independent Groups Advantage

Back

No order effect can occur as participants only take part in one condition, reducing demand characteristics.

Front

Independent Groups Disadvantage

Back

Participant variables are introduced (controlled by random allocation). More participants are required.

Front

Matched Pairs Advantage

Back

No order effect or demand characteristics, reduces individual differences.

Front

Matched Pairs Disadvantage

Back

Difficult to match everything about participants and time-consuming due to pre-tests.

Front

Why does counterbalancing reduce order effects?

Back

It cancels out order effects as half the participants do the conditions in reverse.