Which design would create a dependent sample?

Which design would create a dependent sample?

• A. Matched pairs
• B. Between subjects
• C. Independent groups
• D. Cross-sectional

Answer: (A)

Creating dependent samples means the two data points come from related units. In matched-pairs design, each subject (or observation) is paired with another based on similarity, or you measure the same subjects under two conditions. This pairing links the observations so they are not independent, which is exactly what defines a dependent (or related) sample. Tests used for such data, like the paired comparisons, account for this linkage. In contrast, between-subjects or independent groups use different participants in each condition, so the observations across conditions are independent. Cross-sectional studies also collect data from different individuals at a single time point, with no pairing.

Creating dependent samples means the two data points come from related units. In matched-pairs design, each subject (or observation) is paired with another based on similarity, or you measure the same subjects under two conditions. This pairing links the observations so they are not independent, which is exactly what defines a dependent (or related) sample. Tests used for such data, like the paired comparisons, account for this linkage.

In contrast, between-subjects or independent groups use different participants in each condition, so the observations across conditions are independent. Cross-sectional studies also collect data from different individuals at a single time point, with no pairing.