What does an independent experimental design require from participants?

An independent experimental design requires that each participant is exposed to only one condition of the independent variable. This design allows researchers to investigate the effects of the independent variable on the dependent variable without the influence of confounding variables that may arise from having participants experience multiple conditions. By restricting participants to a single condition, researchers can more effectively isolate the impact of the independent variable, making it easier to draw causal conclusions.

In this design, the different conditions are often compared to each other to assess differences in the dependent variable, ensuring that the results are attributable to the manipulation of the independent variable rather than to variations in participant experience. This methodology is essential for maintaining the integrity of the findings in experimental research.