CLC - Matched-Subjects Design PDF

Preview

Summary

Download CLC - Matched-Subjects Design PDF

Description

Advantages: The advantage of a matched-subject design is that it allows the experiments randomization and order effects to be kept low. When researchers want to test two theories (such as a new drug on ADHD compared to an older ADHD drug) they can take the group of participants, split them in two groups based off of some variable like age, test the groups and then compare the results to see any variations that may exist. By doing their design this way the researchers can keep their methods the same throughout their testing allowing for less interference and overall debate on results. – Hailey Farrell Matched-subject designs are more than often used in education. It gives researchers a way to compare treatments without using large and randomized groups. An advantage of matched-subjects design is that it emulates conditions, while avoiding the effects that can influence results. This eliminates the possibility of differences between individuals. There are also fewer participants variables, lower risk of demand characteristics, and the same test can be used for all conditions. -Michelle Gilmer

Disadvantages: One of the main disadvantages with matched-subject designs is that while it is meant to be as “foolproof” as possible when it comes to matching people together, there will always be variables that exist. For example, the ADHD drug with the two groups based off of age can be varied due to: different mental conditions, cognitive abilities and IQ levels. Also, because people can change day by day the drug that the participants are given may very well work better or worse depending on the day and the mindset of the individual that day. - Hailey Farrell

Although, there are many advantages of using matched-subject designs, there are also some disadvantages in using this type of design. Hailey mentioned that participants cannot be matched on every level. So therefore, there are some participants variables that may come up. Another disadvantage would be that matching participants can be very difficult and time consuming and it requires more participants than any other design. -Michelle Gilmer Random assignment versus matching techniques One of the most important criteria for random assignment is that all participants have the equal chance of being put into one group or the other. When it comes to a random assignment it is just that, random. There is no picking and choosing where each participant can go such as in a matching-subjects design. When doing a random assignment, the researcher (s) must put each participant in a group without being deliberate or focusing on any criteria. When doing a matched-subject design the researcher (s) want to separate the participants into the group that they are going to be alike with others. For the ADHD design this would mean that they would put the participants into a group based off of, age, race, gender, etc.- Hailey Farrell

Random assignment protects against unknown dissimilarities between the experimental and control groups, especially in large groups. Matching techniques do not do this. Random assignment means that each participant has an equal probability of ending up in either group. While matching techniques, match similar individuals based on specific criteria of similarity. -Michelle Gilmer...