In psychology, there may be instances where it is important to understand what factors might affect behavior, cognition, and emotions. For example, there may be consideration of how nutrition and sleep may increase or decrease emotional states. If you were to manipulate two variables (showing images of sleep-deprived individuals and those with poor nutrition, and then those without) and then observe emotional states during those processes, you might see what changes occur, if at all. When you include two or more multiple factors that may be manipulated (independent variables) and observe participants through those combinations, several factors may help provide information on potential influences (in this case, on emotional states). The guiding principle is that if there are several potential factors that may influence a possible condition, a factorial design might be a useful method for study (Privitera, 2017).

This week, you will explore the design and usefulness of a factorial experimental design. Particular focus will be on testing multiple factors, looking at the same experiment factors, and samples for experimentation. Various design types such as between-subjects, within-subjects, and mixed designs will be examined while accounting for main effects, validity, and possible error variance through statistical considerations.

PT 1

You will now add information from this week’s materials to your Research Chart.

In the corresponding section, provide the name(s) of the method you reviewed, its primary use and when it should be used, strengths and limitations of the method, ethical considerations, and one example of when the method could be used (include your interests or something more general).

Length: Updated research chart, not including title and reference pages.

PT 2

For this assignment, you will extend your examination of the factorial experimental method through another SPSS hands-on activity. Referring to page 410 and the SPSS in Focus: General Instructions for Conducting a Factorial ANOVA in your text, follow the steps for conducting this analysis.

PT 3For this week’s reflection, consider the following points:

Explain the research situations that may require you to use factorial experimental methods (be sure to give examples/be specific).
Examine the limitations and benefits learned about these methods and their use.
Analyze any ethical considerations with implementing these methods.
Reflect on your experience with this week’s SPSS activity.
Include any questions you may have for your professor.