Complex Experimental Designs

Complex Experimental Designs

1. Independent variable can have more than two levels

   • Levels = groups = conditions

2. Factorial designs

   • Design with more than one independent variable (factor)
     • Does not take into account the other independent variable
   • Ex - 2x2 factorial design
     • Has two independent variable with two levels each
   • IV x PV design
     • Independent variable by participant variable
     • Can see how different types of people respond to the same variable
     • Simplest has at least two levels and one participant variable with at least two levels
       • Ex - differences between 2 age groups

3. Moderator variable

   • Influences the relationship between two other variables

4. Analysis of variance

   • Breaks down significant interactions in order to understand them

5. Simple main effect

   • Examines the mean differences at each level of the independent variable