Which statement best describes within-subjects (related) designs?

Which statement best describes within-subjects (related) designs?

• A. Scores in different conditions are linked or paired
• B. Scores in different conditions are inherently independent
• C. Between-group comparisons are automatic
• D. Sampling units are unrelated across conditions

Answer: (A)

In within-subjects designs, the same participants are tested in every condition, so the scores across conditions are linked or paired. This pairing comes from measuring the same individuals multiple times, which controls for why different people might respond differently and generally increases the ability to detect the effect of the manipulation. This differs from designs where scores in different conditions come from different people, which would be independent rather than linked. The idea that between-group comparisons are automatic isn’t a defining feature and requires its own design considerations. Also, sampling units in within-subjects are the same people across conditions, not unrelated across conditions.

In within-subjects designs, the same participants are tested in every condition, so the scores across conditions are linked or paired. This pairing comes from measuring the same individuals multiple times, which controls for why different people might respond differently and generally increases the ability to detect the effect of the manipulation.

This differs from designs where scores in different conditions come from different people, which would be independent rather than linked. The idea that between-group comparisons are automatic isn’t a defining feature and requires its own design considerations. Also, sampling units in within-subjects are the same people across conditions, not unrelated across conditions.