A researcher investigated sustained attention in children. A matched pairs design was used. This involved 12 children with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and 12 children without ADHD. Each child was observed in a quiet classroom while completing a complex puzzle task for 15 minutes. The researcher matched the children in pairs based on their age and baseline reading ability.
The researcher recorded the total number of minutes each child remained focused on the puzzle without looking away. It was found that children with ADHD spent significantly less time focused on the task compared to children without ADHD.
Question: Outline one advantage of using a matched pairs design in this study.
Practise AQA A Level Psychology Scientific processes with exam-style questions for A Level Psychology. 689 questions, matched to the AQA A Level Psychology (7182) specification and written in Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3 style. Every question includes a full worked solution and mark scheme, so you can see where marks are awarded rather than just whether you got the answer right.
