Have students propose a factorial experiment
Have students propose a factorial experiment (see Handout 12.1). Specify that they are to
predict a significant interaction; interpret the interaction; graph the predicted results, and discuss several other possible patterns of results (a main effect, no interaction, a main effect and an interaction, two main effects and an interaction, etc.). Often, this factorial study will
either be (a) the result of looking at a finding or common sense saying and
asking under what circumstances it is correct and under what circumstances
it is false or (b) an extension of a simple experiment that the student
read or proposed earlier. If you want to give students a starting point for designing their study, you may want to consult
Lutsky, N. (1993). A scheme and variations for studies of social influence in an
experimental social psychology laboratory. Teaching of Psychology, 20, 105-107.
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