Factorial Research Design
A research design with 2 or more independent variables (IV) or "factors
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Example:
A researcher who wants to examine the effect of style of dress (e.g., formal versus causual) and manner of interaction (e.g., 10 questions versus 10 comments about the job) on hiring rate. In this example there are two IVs (style of dress and manner of interaction) and 1 dependent variable (hiring rate). Each of the IVs has 2 levels. Factorial research designs are described by use of an equation. In this example, the study is described as a 2 (dress) X 2 (interaction) factorial research design.
Other examples of factorial designs:
3 x 2
2 x 3 x 2
The number of digits refers to the number of independent variables (IVs).
- 3 x 2 refers to 2 IVs
- 2 x 3 x 2 refers to 3 IVs
The digit refers to the number of levels of that IV.
- 3 x 2 refers to 3 levels of the first IV and 2 levels of the second IV.
- 2 x 3 x 2 refers to 2 levels of the first IV, 3 levels of the second IV, and 2 levels of the third IV.
