Question

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

Answer 1

Counterbalancing: Counterbalancing is a technique which aims to minimize the order effects of the treatment administered. In a experiment where there are two levels of independent variables, the group could be divided in two groups and in each groups order of administration of the levels of independent variable would be different. In this way, the order effect is minimized. So, it would not matter which independent variable level was administered first or second.

Deciding Time of administration: The administration of the second treatment is crucial. If the administration of the treatment is very soon then it could have a carry over effect of the first independent variable administration or the first independent variable administration could influence the second administration. If the administration is done after a very long time then a lot of changes would have taken place in a persons life or experiences which could prove to be a confound.

Changing to Between Subjects: If within subjects design proves to be full of confounds and difficult to administer, then the researcher could switch to between subjects design. As, between subjects design would very well eliminate fatigue, boredom or practice effects.