What is one major drawback of between-subjects factorial research methods?

One significant drawback of between-subjects factorial research methods is that it can lead to increased variability. In a between-subjects design, different participants are assigned to each condition of the experiment. This results in individual differences among participants that can lead to variability in the data. Each participant may have different characteristics, backgrounds, or experiences that could influence their responses, adding noise to the results. This variability can make it more challenging to detect true effects and interactions because the differences among participants may obscure the treatment effects of the independent variables being studied.

In contrast, a within-subjects design, where the same participants are exposed to all conditions, typically controls for these individual differences, leading to reduced variability and more precise estimates of the effects of independent variables. Thus, while between-subjects designs have their advantages, such as minimizing carryover effects, the associated increase in variability can complicate the interpretation of findings, making this a key drawback in such research methods.