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Based on the matched-groups design example for the expressive writing study, describe the specific sequence of steps researchers take to assign participants to their respective writing conditions.
Question: Based on the matched-groups design example for the expressive writing study, describe the specific sequence of steps researchers take to assign participants to their respective writing conditions.
Sample answer: First, researchers measure the baseline health variables of all participants. Second, they rank-order the participants from healthiest to least healthy based on these measurements. Third, they take the two healthiest individuals and randomly assign one to the traumatic writing condition and the other to the neutral writing condition. Finally, they repeat this paired random assignment process for the next two healthiest participants, continuing down the list until all participants are assigned.
Key points:
- Measure baseline health variables of all participants
- Rank-order participants from healthiest to least healthy
- Pair the next two healthiest participants together
- Randomly assign one member of each pair to the traumatic writing condition and the other to the neutral writing condition
- Repeat the paired random assignment process down the list to ensure equivalent average health before the manipulation begins
Rubric: To receive full credit, the answer must identify measuring baseline health, rank-ordering participants, pairing the healthiest participants together, randomly assigning one member of each pair to a different condition, and repeating this down the list to guarantee equivalent average health before writing begins.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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