An agricultural scientist investigated the effect of a new organic bio-stimulant on crop productivity. A matched pairs design was used, involving 15 agricultural plots treated with the bio-stimulant and 15 agricultural plots treated with a standard synthetic fertilizer. Each plot was monitored over a 12-week cultivation cycle. The scientist matched the plots in pairs based on their baseline soil nitrogen content and average daily sunlight exposure.
The scientist recorded the total crop yield (in kg) harvested from each plot at the end of the cycle. It was found that the plots treated with the bio-stimulant produced a significantly higher crop yield compared to those treated with the standard fertilizer.
Question: Outline one advantage of using a matched pairs design in this study.
689 exam-style questions on AQA A Level Psychology Scientific processes. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.