Question

Identify whether each of the following scenarios describe a randomized comparative experiment or a matched pairs experiment.

a. To study the impact of texting while driving, researchers have students drive around an obstacle course twice, once while texting and once without texting (the order of which was randomized). Their score for each turn is the number of obstacles they successfully maneuvered around.

b. Studies have shown that multi-tasking typically results in lower productivity. However, some people believe that individuals who play video games are better at multi-tasking. To investigate this, 28 video game players were randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group was assigned to play a video game that involved driving a car around a track. The other group was assigned to play the same video game while simultaneously answering unrelated trivia questions over the phone.

c. To study the effect of classical music on concentration, 26 math majors were assigned at random into two groups. Subjects in one group listened to classical music while trying to solve a hard Sudoku puzzle, while the subjects in the other group solved the same puzzle in a silent room. The time it took each student to finish was recorded.

Answer 1

(a) matched pairs experiment, since the experiment is carried out twice on the same set of students.
(b) randomized comparative experiment , since the 2 video-game player groups are independent
(c) randomized comparative experiment , since the 2 math majors groups are independent.