AP Statistics Flashcards: Selecting an Experimental Design
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
What is meant by the 'context-dependent' nature of experimental designs?
This means that the effectiveness of a design is not absolute; it depends on the context provided by the research question and available resources.
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What is meant by the 'context-dependent' nature of experimental designs?
This means that the effectiveness of a design is not absolute; it depends on the context provided by the research question and available resources.
Define 'design justification' in the context of an experiment.
Design justification is the process of explaining why a particular experimental design is the most appropriate choice based on the research question and resources.
If a chosen experimental design perfectly fits the research question, what other factor could still make it inappropriate?
Even if a design fits the question, a lack of resources (like time, money, or participants) could make it inappropriate to implement.
What is the primary basis for determining if an experimental design is appropriate?
An experimental design's appropriateness is determined by how well it addresses the specific research question within the constraints of available resources.
A researcher has a limited budget but a complex research question. What two factors must they weigh when selecting a design?
The researcher must weigh the advantages and disadvantages of potential designs in relation to both their research question and their limited resources.
What inherent trade-off exists in every experimental design?
Every experimental design has a trade-off between its advantages and disadvantages, which must be evaluated for each unique study.
What two key elements influence the selection of an experimental design?
The selection of an experimental design is influenced by the research question being asked and the resources available to conduct the study.
How are a design's 'advantages' and 'disadvantages' evaluated?
They are evaluated based on the specific needs of the research question and the limitations imposed by the available resources.
Why is there no single 'best' experimental design for all studies?
Each experimental design has unique advantages and disadvantages, making its suitability dependent on the specific research context.
How should a researcher defend their choice of a particular experimental design?
A researcher should defend their choice by explaining why that specific design is appropriate for their research question and feasible with their available resources.