FAST Experimental Design 2

Question 1

A researcher wants to test whether a new fertilizer increases crop yield but cannot randomly assign plots to treatments because some plots are on hillsides. Which design best addresses this?

Accepted Answer

Randomized block design

Answer

A randomized block design groups plots by location type (hillside vs. flat) to control for terrain as a confounding variable.

Question 2

In a double-blind drug trial, which of the following best describes what 'double-blind' means?

Accepted Answer

Neither the participants nor the researchers assessing outcomes know who received the treatment

Answer

Double-blind means both participants and outcome assessors are unaware of group assignments to prevent bias.

Question 3

A study finds that cities with more ice cream sales have higher drowning rates. What is the most likely explanation?

Accepted Answer

A third variable (hot weather) drives both

Answer

Hot weather causes both increased ice cream consumption and increased swimming, making temperature a confounding variable.

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of a within-subjects experimental design?

Accepted Answer

Having each participant complete all conditions of the experiment

Answer

A within-subjects design has each participant experience all conditions, serving as their own control.

Question 5

A researcher tests five different teaching methods but only has access to five intact classrooms. What is the primary limitation of this setup?

Accepted Answer

Students cannot be randomly assigned to classrooms, limiting causal inference

Answer

Using intact groups rather than random assignment creates a quasi-experimental design, weakening causal conclusions due to potential pre-existing group differences.

(FAST) Future Aptitude Selection Tool Practice Test

(FAST) Future Aptitude Selection Tool Practice Test

FAST Experimental Design 2