Case Study

Based on the principles of combining experimental designs, decide how the research team should address this disagreement. Can they use a within-subjects design for their follow-up study while investigating the same overall research question? Justify your decision by explaining the relationship between using these two design types across a series of studies and the advantage of doing so.

Case context: A research team is investigating the effectiveness of a new mindfulness application on reducing work-related stress. In their first study, they employ a between-subjects design, comparing a group of employees using the app with a different group of employees who do not use it. For their follow-up study, some team members argue that they must stick to a between-subjects design to maintain consistency across their research program, while others suggest switching to a within-subjects design to observe the same individuals over time.

Question: Based on the principles of combining experimental designs, decide how the research team should address this disagreement. Can they use a within-subjects design for their follow-up study while investigating the same overall research question? Justify your decision by explaining the relationship between using these two design types across a series of studies and the advantage of doing so.

Sample answer: The research team can utilize a within-subjects design for their follow-up study. Using a between-subjects design in their initial study does not preclude them from using a within-subjects design in a subsequent study. They can use both designs to investigate the same overall research question across a series of studies. By combining both design types, they can gain a more comprehensive understanding of how the mindfulness app affects stress.

Key points:

  • The team can use a within-subjects design for the follow-up study.
  • Using one type of experimental design (between-subjects) does not preclude using the other type (within-subjects) in a different study.
  • Utilizing both designs across different studies to address the same research question provides a more comprehensive understanding.

Rubric: The response must state that the team can use a within-subjects design for their follow-up. It must explain that utilizing one design type does not preclude using the other type to answer the same overall research question. It must also explain that combining both designs across different studies provides a more comprehensive understanding of the research topic.

0

1

Updated 2026-05-26

Contributors are:

Who are from:

Tags

KPU

Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU

Related