What is a between-subjects design and how is it different from a within-subjects design?

Experimental Research Questions



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What is a between-subjects design and how is it different from a within-subjects design?

A between-subjects design is a research design in which different groups of participants are assigned to different conditions or treatments. Each group of participants represents a different level of the independent variable being studied. The groups are then compared to determine the effects of the independent variable on the dependent variable.

On the other hand, a within-subjects design is a research design in which the same group of participants is exposed to all conditions or treatments being studied. Each participant serves as their own control, as they experience all levels of the independent variable. The order of conditions is typically counterbalanced to control for any potential order effects.

The main difference between a between-subjects design and a within-subjects design is the way participants are assigned to conditions. In a between-subjects design, different groups of participants are assigned to different conditions, while in a within-subjects design, the same group of participants experiences all conditions.