What does the term 'independent groups design' refer to in experimental research?

The term 'independent groups design' in experimental research refers to a method where different participants are assigned to different conditions of the experiment. This means that each participant experiences only one condition, thereby ensuring that the data collected from one group does not influence the outcomes of another group. This design is particularly useful in minimizing the effects of participant variables, as individual differences across various groups do not overlap.

By using distinct groups for each experimental condition, researchers can more confidently attribute any observed effects to the manipulation of the independent variable rather than to variations in participant backgrounds or experiences. This allows for clearer interpretations of the results, as any differences in outcomes are more likely due to the experimental conditions being tested rather than confounding variables associated with the same group of participants.

The other options do not accurately represent the concept of independent groups design. For instance, the first option describes a repeated measures design, where the same participants are involved in all conditions. The third option suggests a lack of control groups, which is not a characteristic of independent groups design; control groups are fundamental in experimental research to compare the effects of the intervention. The last option incorrectly states that this technique guarantees non-replicability, when, in fact, the independent groups design can be structured to allow