Between-Subjects Design

In "between-subjects" design, some people are run in the "control" condition, and others are in the "experimental" condition.

Have some people set up appointments. Count how many keep them.

In such a design, the "experimental" condition might involve giving some subjects people wearable computers programmed with the appointment, while the "control" might involve giving them written appointment cards.

next: within-subjects design

Experimental Design for Wearable Computing -- Within-Subjects Design

Within-Subjects Design

You can also do experiments where the same subject experiences both experimental and control conditions. These are called "within-subject" designs.

Such designs can minimize issues that arise because people differ.

Have some people set up appointments. Count how many keep them.

Have the same subject set up multiple appointments, some noted on the wearable and some on the piece of paper.

Be careful to balance the design for the order in which appointments appear!

next: randomness and balance