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Describe the visual structure of a factorial design table. In your description, explain what the columns, rows, and individual cells represent conceptually, and illustrate this using the example of a factorial design investigating cell phone use and time of day.
Question: Describe the visual structure of a factorial design table. In your description, explain what the columns, rows, and individual cells represent conceptually, and illustrate this using the example of a factorial design investigating cell phone use and time of day.
Sample answer: A factorial design table visually organizes the independent variables of an experiment. The columns of the table represent the levels of one independent variable, while the rows represent the levels of another independent variable. The cells formed where the rows and columns intersect represent the unique combinations of these levels, which are the distinct experimental conditions. In the example of a factorial design investigating cell phone use (using vs. not using a cell phone) and time of day (day vs. night) on driving ability, the table creates four cells representing the four possible conditions: using a cell phone during the day, not using a cell phone during the day, using a cell phone at night, and not using a cell phone at night.
Key points:
- Columns represent the levels of one independent variable.
- Rows represent the levels of another independent variable.
- Cells represent the unique combinations of the independent variables' levels (experimental conditions).
- The cell phone and time of day example produces four cells representing the combinations of using/not using a phone and day/night driving.
Rubric: Evaluate the response on the following: 1) Identification of columns as representing the levels of one independent variable. 2) Identification of rows as representing the levels of another independent variable. 3) Explanation that cells represent the combined experimental conditions. 4) Accurate listing of the four specific conditions from the cell phone and time of day example.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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