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Matched-Groups Design
A matched-groups design serves as an alternative to simple random assignment. In this approach, researchers first measure the dependent variable or a relevant extraneous variable to assess the participants. They then rank-order the participants based on this measurement and randomly assign the most closely matched individuals to different experimental conditions. This technique guarantees that the groups are equivalent on that specific variable at the start of the study, preventing it from becoming a confounding variable.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
Related
Random Assignment
Advantages of Between-Subjects Experiments
Independent-Samples t-Test
One-Way ANOVA
Within-Subjects Experiment
Matched-Groups Design
Examples of Between-Subjects Experiments
Example of Lack of Context in Between-Subjects Designs
Combining Between-Subjects and Within-Subjects Designs
Equivalent Groups
Nonequivalent Groups
Which of the following best describes a between-subjects experiment?
In a between-subjects experiment, researchers test each participant across every level of the independent variable to directly compare their individual responses.
A researcher is conducting a between-subjects experiment to test if '8 hours of sleep' versus '4 hours of sleep' affects cognitive performance on a memory task. Arrange the steps of this specific study in the correct chronological order.
A researcher investigates whether a new font improves reading speed. They assign 50 participants to read a text in 'Times New Roman' and another 50 participants to read the same text in 'OpenDyslexic'. Match each aspect of this study to the structural logic of a between-subjects experiment.
You are tasked with creating a research protocol to investigate whether a 'Gamified' exercise app increases user motivation more than a 'Standard' exercise app. To avoid 'carryover effects'—where the experience with one version of the app might influence the user's perception or performance with the other—you decide to implement a between-subjects experiment. Which of the following plans should you develop to successfully fulfill this design requirement?
A researcher is evaluating whether to use a within-subjects or a between-subjects design for a study on a permanent educational intervention. They determine that a(n) _____ design is the only valid choice because the intervention results in an irreversible change, making it impossible for the same participants to serve in both the experimental and control conditions.
An experimental design in which each participant is exposed to only a single level of the independent variable is called a(n) _____ experiment.
A clinical researcher measures each participant's stress level at three time points: before a mindfulness program begins (Week 0), after four weeks of training (Week 4), and after eight weeks of training (Week 8). Every participant completes the same single program. The researcher argues that this is a between-subjects design because each participant is assigned to only one program. This argument is correct.
A researcher studies whether type of reward (monetary payment, verbal praise, or no reward) affects how long elementary school children persist on a difficult puzzle. One group receives money after each puzzle attempt, a second group receives verbal praise, and a third receives nothing. No child participates in more than one condition. Match each term to the description that correctly identifies its role in this study.
A research team wants to test whether a new anti-anxiety drug (Drug A), an established drug (Drug B), or a placebo reduces self-reported anxiety in adults with generalized anxiety disorder. They must design the study and analyze the data responsibly. Arrange the following decisions and actions in the order that best reflects sound research practice for a between-subjects experiment.
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Example of a Matched-Groups Design
Arrange the steps involved in executing a matched-groups design in the correct order.
A researcher investigating the effect of a new memory-enhancing supplement decides to use a matched-groups design by pairing participants with similar baseline memory scores before randomly assigning one person from each pair to the supplement group and the other to the placebo group. What is the primary purpose of using this design instead of simple random assignment?
A psychology researcher is investigating the effect of a new 'Focus Training' program. To ensure that baseline differences in concentration do not confound the results, they implement a matched-groups design. Match each of the researcher's specific actions to the goal it fulfills within this experimental design.
In a matched-groups design where participants are paired based on their 'baseline anxiety levels,' the resulting groups are guaranteed to be equivalent regarding their anxiety, but they are not guaranteed to be equivalent regarding other factors like 'intelligence' or 'motivation.'
Which between-subjects experimental design requires researchers to first measure participants on a specific variable, rank-order them based on their scores, and then randomly assign the most closely matched individuals to the different treatment groups?
In a matched-groups design, because participants are paired based on their similarity on a key variable, the researcher systematically assigns one member of each pair to the experimental group and the other to the control group, completely eliminating the need for random assignment.
In a methodological critique of an experiment with a very small sample size, a researcher concludes that simple random assignment was an inadequate choice for controlling a highly influential extraneous variable. To justify a more rigorous approach, the researcher would evaluate a(n) _____ design as the most appropriate substitute for ensuring that the groups are equivalent on that specific variable from the outset.
An educational psychologist is comparing two different reading programs. To control for prior reading ability, they implement a matched-groups design. Match each phase of their methodology to its corresponding description or function in this design.
A researcher decides to use a matched-groups design to control for baseline intelligence in a study on problem-solving. By rank-ordering participants on this baseline measure and randomly assigning matched pairs, they guarantee that the groups are equivalent on intelligence at the start of the study, preventing it from becoming a _____ variable.
Evaluate the chronological methodology required to implement a matched-groups design. Arrange the steps a researcher must take, from the initial setup to the final group placement, to ensure group equivalence on a targeted variable.