Essay

Explain whether a researcher is restricted to using only one type of experimental design (between-subjects or within-subjects) to investigate a single overall research question. In your response, state whether utilizing one design type pre-empts the use of the other across different studies and explain the primary benefit of combining both approaches.

Question: Explain whether a researcher is restricted to using only one type of experimental design (between-subjects or within-subjects) to investigate a single overall research question. In your response, state whether utilizing one design type pre-empts the use of the other across different studies and explain the primary benefit of combining both approaches.

Sample answer: No, a researcher is not restricted to using only one type of experimental design. Using one type of design does not preclude using the other. A researcher can utilize both a between-subjects design and a within-subjects design to answer the same overall research question across a series of different studies. Combining both approaches helps researchers gain a more comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon under study.

Key points:

  • Using one experimental design type does not preclude or prevent researchers from using the other type.
  • Both between-subjects and within-subjects designs can be utilized to answer the same overall research question across a series of different studies.
  • Adopting both design types across studies allows researchers to gain a more comprehensive understanding.

Rubric: The response must state that using one design type does not preclude using the other. It must explain that both between-subjects and within-subjects designs can be used to address the same overall research question across different studies. Finally, it must state that combining both approaches provides a more comprehensive understanding.

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Updated 2026-05-26

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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU

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