Question

Discuss a step-by-step approach for the procedure in the experiment. For example, Some researchers outlined steps typically used in the procedure for a pretest-post test control group design

with matching participants in the experimental and control groups:
1. Administer measures of the dependent variable or a variable closely correlated with the
dependent variable to the research participants.
2. Assign participants to matched pairs on the basis of their scores on the measures described in
Step 1.
3. Randomly assign one member of each pair to the experimental group and the other member to the
control group.
4. Expose the experimental group to the experimental treatment and administer no treatment or an
alternative treatment to the control group.
5. Administer measures of the dependent variables to the experimental and control groups.
6. Compare the performance of the experimental and control groups on the post test(s) using tests of
statistical significance.

Answer 1

In experimental research using a pretest-posttest control group design with matching, steps include administering baseline measures, matching participants, random assignment to groups, administering treatments to the experimental group, measuring outcomes, and statistically comparing group performances.

Step-by-step explanation:

The pretest-posttest control group design with matching is a methodology used in experimental research to assess the effects of a treatment, by comparing the performance of matched experimental and control groups. The step-by-step approach of the experimental procedure involves several key steps to achieve reliable and valid results:

Administer measures of the dependent variable, or a variable closely correlated with the dependent variable, to the research participants.

Assign participants to matched pairs based on their scores on the mentioned measures.

Randomly assign one member of each pair to the experimental group and the other member to the control group.

Expose the experimental group to the experimental treatment, while administering no treatment or an alternative treatment to the control group.

Administer measures of the dependent variables to both groups after the exposure to the treatment.

Compare the posttest performance using tests of statistical significance to determine the effect of the treatment.

Ensuring that the experimental manipulation is the only difference between the experimental and control groups is vital for the integrity of the study. A double-blind study can be used where both the researchers and participants are unaware of the group assignments to prevent bias. Additionally, the use of statistical software for random assignment of participants helps in maintaining the randomness of group allocation.