One can decide to carry out a study to identify if the type of physical exercise has an influence on individual memory. In this case, the independent variable is an exercise which can be of different kinds. For our study, we have jogging and yoga as the different types of physical activity and memory of the brain as the dependent variable. For the within-subject experiment, all the subjects of the study have to try out both exercises, and a test of the memory carried out after each. A comparison of memory test results is after that carried out and identify the type of activity that impacted the mind most. In contrast, with the between-subject design experiment, the subjects are divided into two groups, and each group exposed to specific research and a memory test done for each group. The results of memory performance for the two groups are after that compared, and the group that scores most has the exercise as the one impacting memory most.
Some of the advantages of a within-subject design experiment are that it requires fewer subjects for study. Additionally, errors that are contributed by people’s natural dissimilarities are also overcome when the design is used in a study. People are not identical in terms of personalities and capabilities, and therefore even when selected those with most similar characters, differences always arise. Additionally, the design is more informative and provides specific conclusions.
The major disadvantage with the within-subject design experiment is that a subject can carry over the effect of the first treatment and impact the results of the subsequent procedures. For our case, after participants engaged in yoga first, it may affect memory text results of jogging. The trials of multiple experiments may as well impact the memory and make an individual more skillful. Lastly, subjects of study are also prone to fatigue; therefore, they develop an unwillingness to participate in other surveys.
Between subject design experiment as well has its advantages and disadvantages. The carryover effect is absent in this design since subjects are only exposed to one treatment. As a result, subjects rarely suffer from boredom as a result of much fatigue.
It has, however, more disadvantages and which include; individual personal differences, experiment bias since conclusions are made from two distinct treatments. The design is prone to making general conclusions rather than specific without putting into consideration factors such as different environmental factors, among others. A large number of participants are also required for this study.