In: Statistics and Probability
Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of using a matched-subjects (matched pairs) design instead of a typical between subjects design.
Advantages
A typical between subjects design tests the same people whereas a matched subjects design comes as close as possible to that and even uses the same statistical methods to analyze the results.It eliminates the possibility of differences between individuals affecting the results. The matched subjects design also utilizes the strength of the between subjects design, in that every subject is tested only once, eliminating the possibility of temporal factors, known as order effects, affecting the results.
Disadvantages
Whilst the design is an excellent compromise between reducing order effects and smoothing out variation between individuals, it is certainly not perfect. Even with careful matching of the pairs, there will always be some variation.
The researcher might be incorrect in their assumptions about which variables are the most important and miss a major confounding variable. Even the single variable may have been measured incorrectly.