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Explain the concept of a main effect in the context of a factorial design and describe how it is determined. Furthermore, state the relationship between the number of independent variables and the number of potential main effects in an experiment.

Question: Explain the concept of a main effect in the context of a factorial design and describe how it is determined. Furthermore, state the relationship between the number of independent variables and the number of potential main effects in an experiment.

Sample answer: A main effect is the overall influence of a single independent variable on the dependent variable in a factorial design. It is determined by averaging the results across all levels of the other independent variables. There is exactly one potential main effect for each independent variable included in the experiment.

Key points:

  • A main effect is the overall influence of a single independent variable on the dependent variable.
  • It is determined by averaging results across all levels of the other independent variables.
  • There is exactly one potential main effect for each independent variable in the study.

Rubric: The student must correctly define a main effect, explain the averaging process across other independent variables, and state that there is exactly one potential main effect for each independent variable.

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Updated 2026-05-27

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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU

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