Which method is used to control for order effects in repeated measures design?

Counterbalancing is a technique used specifically in repeated measures designs to control for order effects, which can potentially skew the results. In a repeated measures design, the same participants are exposed to all conditions of the experiment. This can lead to order effects where the sequence in which conditions are presented may impact participants' responses, either through fatigue, practice, or other experiential influences.

By employing counterbalancing, researchers can alternate the order in which conditions are presented to different participants. For example, in a study with two conditions, half the participants might experience Condition A first and then Condition B, while the other half would experience Condition B first followed by Condition A. This method helps ensure that any effects observed can be attributed to the experimental manipulation rather than the sequence of conditions.

The other methods listed do not specifically address order effects in the same manner. Randomization pertains to the random assignment of participants to different conditions, which is more relevant in independent measures designs. Matched pairs involve pairing participants based on characteristics to minimize differences between groups but does not account for order effects. Standardization refers to maintaining consistency in procedures and instructions across all trials, which helps to ensure reliability but does not specifically deal with the issue of order effects. Thus, counterbalancing is the