Which type of research design limits the influence of demand characteristics?

The correct answer is that an independent design is the type of research design that best limits the influence of demand characteristics.

In an independent design, different participants are used in each condition of the experiment. This structure minimizes the likelihood that participants will become aware of the study's purpose or alter their behavior based on cues related to what they think the researcher is looking for. By using separate groups, it reduces the chances that participants will influence each other or develop expectations based on prior experiences in the experiment. Consequently, this design is particularly effective in controlling for demand characteristics, which are the cues that may suggest to participants how they are expected to behave during the study.

In contrast, quasi-experiments and natural experiments often involve pre-existing groups or natural settings that may not provide the same level of control over extraneous variables or cues influencing behavior. Field experiments, while conducted in a natural environment, still may expose participants to demand characteristics if they recognize the context of the study or if they are part of repeated measures designs where they might encounter the same situation multiple times. Thus, the independent design stands out as the most effective approach in mitigating the influence of demand characteristics.