Question

difference between a repeated measures design and a matched pairs design?

Answer 1

(1) Repeated Measures Design :

  This type of design is also known as within groups. The same participants take part in each condition of the independent variable. This means that each condition of the experiment includes the same group of participants.

  Repeated measures dismiss the problem of individual differences which highers the validity of the study. However, by using the same participants in each condition, order effects are likely to occur such as: the participants getting bored, feeling fatigue or fed up by the time of the second condition, or even getting more knowledgeable to the requirements of the test which in turn may lead to demand characteristics.

(2) Matched Pairs Design :

Each condition uses different but similar participants. An effort is made to match the participants in each condition in terms of any important characteristic which might affect performance. e.g. gender, age, intelligence, etc. One member of each matched pair must be randomly assigned to the experimental group and the other to the control group.

  Matched pairs helps to combine the both to decrease problems such as individual differences and order effects: two sets of participants are used but they are matched on factors such as age, sex and social background. This can be seen as effective, however, no two participants can be matched exactly- even identical twins may have different thinking or life experiences. This is also very time consuming.

::  When an option is available to choose from I feel that repeated measures design is the best method to use as it can higher validity.