Repeated Measure Design

Definition:

Repeated measure design, also known as within-subject design or intra-individual design, is a research design methodology that involves using the same subjects or participants to measure responses or performances at multiple time points or different conditions. This design allows researchers to study changes in individuals or groups over time or under different experimental manipulations.

Key Features:

  1. Repeated Measurements: Repeated measure designs involve collecting multiple measurements from the same participants, allowing researchers to track changes over time or differences between conditions.
  2. Controlled Conditions: The researcher has control over the conditions under which measurements are taken, ensuring that any observed changes or differences can be attributed to the manipulated factors.
  3. Reduce Individual Differences: By using the same participants for each measurement, individual differences that can confound the results are minimized or eliminated.
  4. Increased Statistical Power: Repeated measure designs tend to have higher statistical power compared to designs with independent groups, as they capitalize on individual differences and reduce variability within the data.

Advantages:

  • Efficiency: Repeated measure designs allow researchers to collect more data points using fewer participants, making it a more efficient use of resources.
  • Greater Sensitivity: By using the same participants, any changes or differences can be detected more easily, increasing the sensitivity of the study.
  • Control of Individual Differences: Using the same participants reduces the impact of individual differences and provides better control over extraneous factors that may affect the results.
  • Reduced Sample Variability: As participants serve as their own control, variability due to individual differences is minimized, leading to more precise estimates.

Limitations:

  • Order and Practice Effects: Participants’ responses may be influenced by the order in which the measurements are administered or due to practice effects, potentially confounding the results.
  • Carryover Effects: The effects of a previous condition may carry over and influence subsequent measurements, introducing bias into the results.
  • Subject Dropout: If participants drop out before completing all measurements, missing data may affect the validity and generalizability of the findings.
  • Increased Demand Characteristics: Participants may become aware of the purpose of the study or the hypothesis being tested, leading to altered behavior or responses.