What is a basic characteristic of a repeated measures ANOVA?

A basic characteristic of a repeated measures ANOVA is that it involves examining a single subject across multiple treatments. This design allows researchers to measure the same individuals under different conditions, which helps to control for individual differences that could potentially confound the results. By repeatedly measuring the same subjects, the analysis can more accurately detect any effects that the treatments might have on the dependent variable, leading to increased statistical power.

Using the same subjects in different treatments provides a clearer understanding of how the treatments influence outcomes, eliminating the variability caused by differences between different individuals. This methodology is particularly useful in psychological research, where individual traits or responses can greatly impact the data.