Question

Discuss how to minimize the problems of fatigue, boredom, or practice effects in within-subject designs.

Answer 1

Fatigue can be reduced by firstly ensuring that the test conditions are comfortable for the participants. Both fatigue and boredom can be minimised by providing frequent intervals of rest to the participants. The researcher should also ensure that both the length and number of trials are adequate. Within subject designs are especially prone to practice effects as this is a repeated measures design. One way of reducing the effects is by proving the participants with extensive practice sessions beforehand so that the effects that might be caused during the trials would be subdued.